Villagers tie up leopardess in Kheri forest division, probe on

Pilibhit: Authorities of the North Kheri forest division are trying to identify over a dozen villagers who allegedly tied an adult leopardess to a bamboo stick using a rope. Villagers claimed that the feline had injured two farmers -- Naresh Kumar, 45, and Bablu Chandra, 40 -- while they were working in their fields in Lohara village on Tuesday. The injured were shifted to a govt medical facility for treatment.The leopardess, estimated to be around 3.5 years old, was later rescued by forest personnel and shifted to Majhgai forest range headquarters. She was first trapped in a net and then moved into a cage. Officials have not ruled out the possibility that villagers beat the animal with sticks to immobilise it before tying it with a rope.Field director of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, H Rajamohan, and the divisional forest officer concerned, Kirti Chaudhary, said the incident was a serious wildlife crime and those involved would face action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.Rajamohan said, "A departmental case has been registered against unidentified persons under relevant sections of the Act. Once identified through photos and videos, the accused will be named in the case," he added.Range officer of Majhgai forest range, Ankit Singh, said, "The leopardess is undergoing a detailed medical examination by DTR veterinary officer Dr Daya Shankar. During the preliminary examination, no external injuries were found. Further tests are being conducted to check for internal haemorrhage or fractures."