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Nuapada: A boy aged around eight years was allegedly picked up by a leopard and later mauled to death while the minor identified as Dambarudhar Dharua was playing near his house in Katingapali village under Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary of Nuapada district, today evening at around 5.30 pm.
The deceased’s body was recovered by forest personnel from the sanctuary later in the day.
Palpable tension and fear prevailed in and around the village following the fatal mishap.
“The unfortunate incident took place when the boy was playing in the village yard. A leopard entered the village and dragged the boy into nearby forest before we could help him out,” some locals said.
“A few days ago, we had spotted two leopards roaming in the peripheral areas of the forest. Although leopards were previously spotted in Nuapada forest range, it is for the first time that a leopard has entered into Katingapali area,” the locals added.
Forest officials reached the village after being informed about the incident. A probe was initiated, which is underway. However, their views in this regard could not be obtained despite attempts.
Meanwhile, local police seized the body and sent it to Nuapada district headquarters hospital (DHH) for post-mortem. The body will be handed over to his family after the autopsy, a cop said.
Locals demanded adequate compensation to the deceased’s next of kin.
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