Udaipur, Rajasthan – The tranquil village of Rathod ka Guda in the Gogunda area, just 40 km from Udaipur, has been gripped by fear following the brutal attack by a leopard that claimed the life of a 65-year-old temple priest, Vishnu Puri. This marks the sixth such incident in the region, intensifying concerns over human-wildlife conflict.
The incident occurred late at night when the priest, who had been a celibate since childhood, was sleeping outside the temple. The leopard dragged him over 200 meters from the temple to a maize field, where his body was found mutilated the following morning. The priest’s family, devastated by the loss, recounted the normalcy of the previous evening, highlighting the suddenness of the attack.
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Local residents are now living in terror, with many afraid to leave their homes alone or work in their fields. The village has turned into a fortress with over 20 teams from the police and forest department deployed to capture the rogue leopard. Udaipur’s Collector, Arvind Poswal, visited the area to oversee the operations and assured the implementation of safety measures.
In response to the escalating situation, the administration has decided to release deer and sambar in the forests around Gogunda and Jhadol to potentially reduce leopard incursions into human settlements. Furthermore, awareness programs are being initiated to educate villagers on protective measures against such wildlife encounters.
The forest department has already captured four leopards, but it remains unclear if these are the culprits behind the attacks. Samples from these leopards have been sent for examination to determine their involvement in the human fatalities. Decisions on their relocation or confinement will be made post-examination.
This series of attacks has not only led to a tragic loss of life but has also sparked a broader discussion on wildlife management and human safety in areas where human settlements encroach upon natural habitats. The community, meanwhile, holds its breath, hoping for an end to this nightmare and restoration of peace in their once serene village.
Conclusion: As Udaipur grapples with this recurring threat, the balance between conservation and human safety remains a critical issue. The ongoing efforts of the local administration and wildlife authorities are pivotal in addressing this conflict, ensuring both human lives and wildlife are protected in the coexistence battle.
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