Jajpur, Aug 31: Panic grips the Sathia Tikiri area in Odisha’s Jajpur district after a leopard was sighted by the locals in the village forest.
District Forest Officials are on alert to track and trap the big cat.
Sources said that the locals of the Sathia and Tikiri villages under the Similia GP limit sighted a big leopard, straying near the village. They managed to chase it into the deep forest after a frantic operation. However, the leopard wreaked panic in the villages as it was seen in the bushy areas near the village. Anticipating attacks on men and domestic animals, the locals informed the Jajpur forest officials.
A team of forest officials led by Forester Sashmita Samal initiated a search operation to spot the tiger. However, it was found nowhere till late at night on Thursday, sources added.
“We are on alert. Operation is underway to track and trap the tiger as soon as possible. The locals have been sensitized to be careful while venturing into the forest”, said Sashmita Samal.
