Repeated leopard movement around Douka Tok, in the Pujeli and Chaptari village area near Purola, has frightened residents and disrupted agricultural work. Villagers say they are reluctant to enter their fields alone because the animal has been seen repeatedly during the past week.

The affected area is about 3 kilometres from the Purola tehsil headquarters. Residents have asked the Forest Department to increase regular patrols, strengthen surveillance and take effective steps to prevent any threat to human life.

Mule and horse killed in earlier attacks

According to villagers, a leopard killed a mule at Douka Gadhera 2 or 3 days ago. They also said the animal had earlier attacked and killed a horse near the village.

Residents reported another sighting near the village on the night of Diwali. On Sunday evening, 2 young men returning to the village reportedly came face to face with the leopard. The animal moved towards the forest after the youths raised an alarm, according to the account given by villagers.

Shyalik Ram Nautiyal, a resident of Pujeli, said the leopard had been seen repeatedly around the village and Douka Gadhera for the past week. He said the fear was affecting farming activities during an important period for agricultural work.

Forest team deployed in the area

Narottam Singh Rawat, range officer with the Tons Forest Division, said a Forest Department team was deployed in the area after receiving information. He said the team was continuing to monitor the location.

Rawat appealed to residents not to go alone towards forests or fields. He also advised them to remain especially cautious during the evening and night and to inform the Forest Department immediately if they see the leopard.

The villagers’ request centres on sustained patrols and close monitoring around the settlements and Douka Gadhera. The Forest Department’s team is currently carrying out surveillance, while residents have been asked to follow safety precautions.

Conclusion

Leopard activity around Pujeli, Chaptari and Douka Tok has affected residents’ farming routines and raised concerns about safety. Forest officials have deployed a monitoring team and urged people to avoid travelling alone and report sightings promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where has the leopard been seen?

The leopard has been seen around Douka Tok, the Pujeli and Chaptari village area, and Douka Gadhera.

Q. How far is the area from Purola?

The area is about 3 kilometres from the Purola tehsil headquarters.

Q. What animals have reportedly been killed?

Villagers said a mule was killed at Douka Gadhera 2 or 3 days ago. They also said a horse had earlier been attacked and killed near the village.

Q. What happened when 2 young men encountered the leopard?

The leopard appeared in front of them as they returned to the village on Sunday evening. It ran towards the forest after they raised an alarm.

Q. What action has the Forest Department taken?

A Forest Department team was deployed in the area after the information was received, and it is continuing surveillance.

Q. What precautions have officials advised?

Residents have been asked not to go alone towards forests or fields, remain especially cautious in the evening and night, and immediately report leopard sightings to the Forest Department.