Lanjigarh: A leopard has unleashed a reign of terror in remote villages of Gundri panchayat under this block in Kalahandi district after straying into the area, a report said Tuesday.
The residents are in a state of panic after the animal strayed into their area and killed cattle. However, the forest officials seem to be clueless about the arrival of the leopard. The scene of panic was quite apparent at Kabangheju, Adastala, Jamkana, Sanakarli, Gundri, Adaladu villages in Gundri panchayat.
The fear of the animal has gripped the villagers to such an extent that they prefer to stay at home by bolting their doors and do not venture out after dusk. The arrival of the leopard has deprived them of their livelihood, the villagers claimed.
However, the forest officials seem to be non-concerned and yet to take any measure to drive away the animal from the area.
The villagers led by Zilla Parishad member Upendra Rout demanded immediate intervention of the forest department to drive away the animal from the area.
PNN