Conservation biologist Sanjay Gubbi, Chief Conservator of Forests S Sivasankar and others at the attack site on Monday.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Bengaluru: The killing of a 50-year-old woman in a leopard attack sparked tension at Kambalu Gollarahatti village, located at the foot of Shivagange Hills in Nelamangala taluk, Bengaluru Rural district.
Kariyamma, a farmer, had gone to gather fodder for her cattle around 5:30 pm on Sunday, but did not return. Around 7:30 pm, villagers began searching for her and found her body with her head severed. The leopard had partially consumed her head and upper torso.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Villagers blamed the Forest Department for failing to capture the animal, which, they claimed, had injured another woman in June and had been sighted in recent months. The police arrived at the scene after a complaint and attempted to calm the villagers. Forest officers reached the site around 2 am, where the irate villagers demanded immediate action to capture the leopard and compensation for the victim’s family.
Sareena Sikkaligar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bengaluru Rural, told DH that the department had been raising awareness among locals about leopard movements in the area. “The incident occurred less than 10 metres from the Shivagange forest, where we have advised people not to venture out after 6 pm. However, we cannot impose restrictions as it is a question of livelihood,” she said.
'Accidental attack'
Wildlife biologist and conservationist Sanjay Gubbi, who was called to the scene, suggested that the attack might have been accidental rather than a deliberate targeting of a human. “The leopard appears strong enough to carry a 50 kg body uphill for over 100 metres. The victim was cutting grass when the attack occurred,” he said.
Sareena added that the department has placed 20 cages in the area to capture the animal and has sought assistance from the leopard task force. “An ex-gratia payment of Rs 15 lakh will be provided to the family. Efforts to spread awareness among the villagers are ongoing,” she said.
Sivasankar S, Chief Conservator of Forests, said the department would address the complaint regarding a leopard injury in the same village. “We were informed that compensation has not yet been provided. I will look into this matter and resolve it immediately,” he said.