Phansidewa, 05 April (Siliguri Chronicle) – Residents of Fauji Jote in the Ghoshpukur area of Phansidewa breathed a sigh of relief on Sunday morning after a leopard was successfully trapped in a cage, ending nearly a month of fear and uncertainty in the locality.
According to reports, the leopard’s movement in the area had created panic among villagers, with several cattle going missing over the past few weeks. Concerned residents had urged the authorities to take action and install a cage to capture the animal. Earlier, a leopard cub was also rescued from a nearby pineapple garden, raising further alarm.
Acting on the situation, officials from the Forest Department set up a cage inside a private tea garden owned by a local resident. The leopard was finally trapped early on Sunday morning.
Locals promptly informed forest officials, who reached the spot and took custody of the animal. Sources in the department said the leopard will be released into a deep forest after undergoing a veterinary health check-up.
Although the capture has brought much-needed relief, residents remain cautious and fear that more leopards could still be present in the surrounding areas.
