Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, October 25
A five-year-old boy was injured after being attacked by a leopard in Kotmal village of Devat panchayat in Chaupal subdivision of Shimla district on Friday night. According to local residents, the child, Jihan, was being carried home by his father, Mohammad Sikander, when the leopard suddenly pounced on him. Sikander struggled and managed to pull the child from the leopard’s grip before the animal fled into the darkness.
Jihan sustained injuries from the leopard’s claws and teeth. He was initially taken to the Civil Hospital in Chaupal for first aid and later referred to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) Shimla, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Residents say similar leopard sightings and attacks were reported in the Devat area during previous winters. The forest department had earlier placed cages to capture the animal but no such incidents had been reported for some time.
Local administration and forest officials have been informed of the latest attack, and villagers are urging authorities to take swift action to prevent further incidents.
