BARAPUR – A leopard has caused significant distress and financial loss in Barapur village after killing 16 lambs in a farmer’s enclosure. The attack, which occurred on a farm adjacent to a local school and forest area, has left the farming community concerned about the safety of their livestock.
Livestock Attack Ravages Farmer’s Flock
The incident took place at the farm of Gurdeep Singh, who had secured 26 lambs in an enclosure while he took his goats to graze in the nearby forest. Upon his return in the evening, he discovered the grim scene: 16 lambs lay dead, bearing deep bite marks on their necks. Two lambs managed to survive the attack, while the remaining eight were unaccounted for and are presumed to have been carried off by the predator.
The Chenab Times has learned that the leopard has been a recurring presence in and around Barapur village for several months, with locals frequently reporting sightings. Despite these repeated warnings and concerns, residents allege that the Forest Department has not taken decisive action to capture the animal.
Villagers Voice Concerns Over Inaction
Village Sarpanch Santosh Kumari, along with former sarpanch Surinder Pal, Panch Jasveer Kaur, and other residents, expressed their frustration. They stated that numerous requests have been made to the Forest Department to address the leopard menace, but their appeals have reportedly gone unanswered. The financial blow to Gurdeep Singh, whose livelihood depends heavily on his livestock, has amplified the anxieties of other villagers.
Efforts by The Chenab Times to reach forest rangers and the beat in-charge for comment on the incident and the department’s response have thus far been unsuccessful. The villagers are now urgently appealing to the authorities to implement immediate measures to curb further attacks by the leopard and to ensure the overall safety of their animals and community.
The proximity of the affected farm to a school and its location bordering a forest area raises additional concerns for the safety of the local population, particularly children who frequent the school.
The Chenab Times News Desk