An 8-year-old girl was injured in a leopard attack in Saneh Malli village of Kotdwar on Tuesday evening, while another girl was killed in a separate attack near Pauri town the same evening.
Saanvi was walking behind her mother, Neelam Devi, as Neelam brought clothes inside from the courtyard at around 7:00 AM in the evening. A leopard emerged from nearby cover, seized the child and began dragging her towards the forest.
After hearing her daughter scream, Neelam chased the leopard for nearly half a kilometre. She pulled Saanvi from the animal’s jaws and brought her to safety.
Saanvi suffered injuries to her neck and leg. She is receiving treatment at Base Hospital in Kotdwar.
A second girl killed near Pauri
A separate incident occurred in Khandusain near Pauri town on the same evening. A leopard killed a 7-year-old girl there, leaving her family in mourning.
The 2 attacks have intensified concern in the hill settlements, where residents say leopards have been entering areas close to homes. The incidents also underline the immediate danger faced by children near courtyards and residential areas.
Saneh Patti, in the Kotdwar range of the Lansdowne forest division, has experienced several leopard attacks in recent months, according to the available report.
Officials contacted as residents demand action
Assembly Speaker and Kotdwar MLA Ritu Khanduri visited Saanvi at the hospital after the attack. She also spoke with the District Magistrate and the Divisional Forest Officer about the situation.
Local residents are demanding that the leopard be declared a man-eater and killed. The available information does not confirm that such a declaration or an official capture operation has been completed.
For families in the affected villages, the immediate concern remains the safety of children and residents near their homes. Saanvi’s treatment is continuing at Base Hospital in Kotdwar, while the family of the girl killed in Khandusain is mourning her death.
Conclusion
The 2 attacks reported on the same Tuesday evening left one girl injured and another dead. Saanvi was rescued by her mother and remains under treatment, while residents are seeking official action against the leopard and greater safety in the affected areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where was Saanvi attacked?
Saanvi was attacked in Saneh Malli village of Kotdwar, in Pauri Garhwal.
Q. How was Saanvi rescued?
Her mother, Neelam Devi, chased the leopard for nearly half a kilometre and pulled Saanvi from its jaws.
Q. What injuries did Saanvi suffer?
She suffered injuries to her neck and leg and is being treated at Base Hospital in Kotdwar.
Q. Where did the second fatal attack occur?
The second attack occurred in Khandusain near Pauri town.
Q. What action are local residents demanding?
Residents are demanding that the leopard be declared a man-eater and killed.
Q. Who visited Saanvi in hospital?
Assembly Speaker and Kotdwar MLA Ritu Khanduri visited Saanvi and spoke with the District Magistrate and Divisional Forest Officer.
