66yo woman killed in big cat attack near Haldwani

Nainital: A 66-year-old woman was killed in a suspected big cat attack near Kaladhungi Road in Haldwani on Thursday, police said.Ganga Devi, a resident of Peepal Pokhra village, had gone into the forest with her daughter-in-law and a neighbour to collect fodder. The three women later went their separate ways inside the forest. Police said Devi had moved deeper into the forest when the animal attacked her.
Hearing her cries, the other two women rushed towards her but were chased away by the animal. They alerted villagers and informed the authorities.Nainital SSP Manjunath TC said, "A search operation was launched and Devi's body was recovered about 2 km inside the forest, about 90 minutes later. It is yet to be ascertained whether the attack was by a tiger or a leopard."Police said the animal inflicted multiple injuries, including deep bite marks on her legs, shoulders, arms and back. Part of her neck had also been eaten. The body has been sent for postmortem.Following the incident, the forest department began efforts to trace and capture the animal. Camera traps are being installed, and officials said the animal would be tranquillised if located. Villagers have been advised to avoid entering forest areas.Authorities announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family under state wildlife attack norms.