Damauli, August 2

Frequent incidents of leopard attacks in Bhanu Municipality, Tanahun, have left the locals terrified.

Locals at Ward No 2,3, 4,5, 9, and 11 in the municipality have been troubled the most by the wild beasts as repeated attacks on humans have unleashed terror. Hemraj Sunuwar, 6, of Jogi Danda in Bhanu Municipality sustained injuries after he was attacked by a leopard last Sunday.

Sunuwar, a first grader at Homraj Lohani Sharada Sadan Secondary School, was attacked by the leopard when he came out of his house to answer the call of nature.

Forest Division Office Chief Kedar Baral said DAO had issued a shoot-to-kill order for the man-eater. It has also deployed security personnel to search for the beast.

Division Forest Office, Tanahun, has asked the locals to stay on high alert.  DFO has asked the locals to stay indoors at dawn and dusk as leopards set out for prey at these times. Parents and guardians have been asked not to leave their children alone.

To control leopard attacks, a committee has been formed led by Bhanu Municipality Mayor Udayaraj Gauli. Tanahun Chief District Officer Rudra Prasad Pandit said the committee was formed following an-all party meeting at the DAO. The committee has launched a campaign to clear bushes near human settlements.

“The committee has also decided to deploy specialists to kill man-eating leopards, and notify the locals through loud speakers to stay on alert,” said Baral.