Leopard enters residential area, attacks pet dog

Palakkad: Panic has gripped residents of Karimba grama panchayat near Mannarkkad after a leopard was spotted again in a residential area.The latest sighting was reported on Tuesday night at Moonnekar Manali, a hilly region in Karimba, where the animal entered a house compound and attacked a dog. The attack took place at the residence of Raju at Chathamala. "The leopard attacked our pet dog, which was tied in a shed near the house. Around 12.30am we woke up hearing the noise. When we raised an alarm, the animal fled. The dog sustained deep injuries on its neck," Raju said. This is the second such incident in the area within a week. Locals said that two days ago, a leopard had taken away a pet dog belonging to Ramachandran of Panthalode. Forest officials had earlier received information that rubber-tapping workers spotted a leopard in Vakkod and Parakkaladi areas last week. Surveillance cameras have since been installed in the region. Frequent sightings of the animal near human settlements have left residents in fear, with many demanding urgent action from the forest department.