Leopard kills again in Wayanad’s Kabanigiri; triggers panic and protests in Sultan Bathery

Pulpally: A leopard has struck again in Kabanigiri, killing a goat in the backyard of Joy's residence in Panachimatthil. This marks the predator’s second attack at the same location. It devoured half the goat before leaving the carcass behind, unable to break the rope tied around the animal's neck. Earlier, the leopard had killed two other goats belonging to Joy. A trap was set by the Forest Department to catch the animal, and forest officials had been keeping a watch near Joy’s house for the past two days. Despite their efforts, the leopard returned and managed to kill the goat before escaping.

The first attack occurred last Wednesday night, when the leopard targeted goats tied up in a cage behind Joy’s house. Hearing the commotion, Joy turned on the lights and created noise, scaring the leopard away. One goat died immediately and another was seriously injured. The injured goat succumbed to its wounds by Friday morning. On Saturday morning, the leopard returned and killed the third goat — a five-year-old — and partially consumed it.

Local residents expressed strong anger on Saturday morning as Forest Department officials arrived at the scene. The villagers, alarmed by the predator's continued presence over the past five days, demanded swift action to capture it. Considering the possibility of conflict, the Pulpally police also reached the spot. The initial cage was shifted closer to the goat enclosure, and a live goat was placed inside as bait.

Previously, the carcass of the leopard’s earlier prey had been used as bait. Locals criticised this move, suggesting that the leopard might have been caught earlier if a live goat had been used instead. Forest officials have since stepped up surveillance, camping in the area and deploying additional camera traps.

Call for adequate compensation

The Catholic Congress condemned the Forest Department’s decision to offer only ₹35,000 for one goat and ₹20,000 each for the other two. They said the family’s livelihood had been destroyed and that the offered amount was not enough to buy quality livestock. They urged that Joy’s family be given fair compensation.

BJP holds protest

The BJP Panchayat Committee held a protest against the failure to capture the leopard, which has been attacking livestock in residential areas. The protest meeting demanded the use of tranquiliser guns or other methods to protect lives and property. The BJP Panchayat President chaired the meeting.

Dairy Association threatens stir

The administrative committee of the Kabanigiri Dairy Association warned that it would launch a strong protest if the leopard is not captured soon. The association urged the Forest Department to act swiftly to ease public fear. The Dairy Association President presided over the session.

Second cage installed in Sultan Bathery

Sultan Bathery: In response to rising concerns, the Forest Department installed a second cage on Saturday morning in a field near St. Joseph’s School, where the leopard was last sighted on Friday. South Wayanad DFO Ajith K. Raman, along with Naikatty Forest Station officials, inspected the site. Patrolling has been stepped up, and guards have been deployed to ensure the safety of morning walkers and commuters.

Despite knowing the leopard has been roaming the area for several days, authorities have been unable to trap it. It has reportedly visited Paul Mathews’ residence in Puthussery several times, taking chickens. A previous cage set up on Wednesday afternoon using chickens as bait had failed to attract the animal. A search was also conducted in the undergrowth and other places where the leopard could be hiding.

On Friday, a video filmed by a commuter showed the leopard walking along a school wall. The clip went viral on social media and reignited public attention. It led the Forest Department to install a second cage. Protests by locals over inaction also contributed to the decision.

Forest department urged to act

The Sultan Bathery Block Congress Committee has demanded stricter Forest Department action to prevent further wild animal intrusions. They called for better street lighting in the area and intensified patrolling. They also urged immediate intervention from the Sultan Bathery Municipal Corporation.

Youth Congress demands leopard be tranquilised

The Youth Congress Bathery Mandal Committee has called for the leopard to be tranquilised if it cannot be captured otherwise. The committee warned that if action is not taken before the academic year begins, it would launch a protest.