Jaipur, October 1: The Rajasthan Forest Department has declared a leopard responsible for the deaths of eight people in Udaipur over the past 12 days as a "man-eater". This announcement was made by Chief Wildlife Warden P.K. Upadhyay following the tragic deaths of a 55-year-old woman and a 65-year-old priest within 24 hours. Subsequently, the authorities have issued an order to kill the "man-eating" leopard.

Kamla Kanwar, 55, was attacked by the leopard while feeding her livestock at her home. Despite her family’s efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries. The previous day, priest Vishnu Giri met a similar fate in a nearby village. In response, a massive search operation involving the Forest Department, Army, and Police is underway to capture the leopard. Senior Forest Department official Ajay Chittorda has urged residents to remain cautious and avoid venturing out alone. Leopard Attack in Rajasthan: 5-Year-Old Girl Mauled to Death by Big Cat in Udaipur.

Order Issued to Kill 'Man-Eating' Leopard

Principal Chief Wildlife Warden Pavan Kumar Upadhyay has issued orders to kill the man-eater leopard, local media reported. Over 200 policemen and 80 forest officials, along with teams from Jodhpur, Jaipur, Chittorgarh, and Rajsamand, are participating in the combing operation. Senior officials from Jaipur, including the Collector and SP, are on-site, and the area is being monitored with drone cameras. Three cages have been set up to capture the leopard. Leopard Scare in Udaipur: Man-Eating Leopard Caught in Rajasthan's Gogunda Village After Indian Army Intervention (Watch Video).

Udaipur Chief Conservator of Forest Sunil Chadri confirmed the leopard’s involvement in the recent attacks. The Forest Department has already trapped and captured four leopards from the area.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2024 05:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).