Team Herald
QUEPEM: Panic gripped the village of Chandegal-Xeldem after a leopard was caught on camera in the residential area, here.
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News of the incident spread like wild fire, leaving both the owners of the cat and the villagers terrified.
Providing details of the distressing event, Candidy D’Silva explained: “Our cat was outside in the yard when the attack happened. My daughter was standing at the entrance gate, a short distance from where the incident occurred. Suddenly, a leopard appeared, pounced on the cat and carried it away. The entire episode was captured on our CCTV camera.”
Following the incident, D’Silva informed local panchayat member Pramod Desai, who in turn reported the matter to the Quepem Forest Department.
Expressing concern about the safety of the area, D’Silva said, “Only my daughter and I live in this house. There are many trees and dense bushes surrounding the property. Two months ago, we lost two other cats under mysterious circumstances. This may explain what happened to them.”
Highlighting the potential danger to human life, D’Silva remarked, “This incident didn’t occur late at night but in the evening, while my daughter was standing at the gate. She witnessed the attack with her own eyes. It was a terrifying scene. If the leopard had entered the house, our lives would have been at risk. The Forest Department must take immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future. The current atmosphere in the village is one of fear.”
D’Silva has urged the authorities to prioritise the safety of Chandegal-Xeldem’s residents by addressing the issue of leopards venturing into populated areas.
