A CORRESPONDENT
DHEKIAJULI: A wave of fear has swept through Dhekiajuli’s Singri Tea Estate in Sonitpur district after a series of terrifying attacks by a leopard believed to have strayed from the nearby Orang National Park for the last few days. In less than a week, the elusive predator has claimed the lives of at least three domestic animals, sending shockwaves among tea workers and residents alike.
The most recent incident occurred on Thursday late night, when the leopard reportedly dragged away a cow from the Bogoribari Line in a chilling reminder of the beast’s boldness and proximity to human settlements. With each passing day, the threat looms larger, turning this once tranquil tea estate into a zone of growing anxiety.
Eyewitnesses and estate workers report heightened vigilance, with many too afraid to venture out alone. “We are terrified. The leopard moves around even after dark. It’s no longer safe to work early in the morning or late into the evening,” said one worker, requesting anonymity.
In response, the Singri Tea Estate management has issued urgent safety protocols. Workers have been strictly advised to operate only in groups and avoid isolated sections of the plantation. Estate authorities, along with the forest department, are actively coordinating to track the animal’s movements using camera traps and field surveillance.
Forest officials suspect that the leopard strayed into the estate due to shrinking forest cover and the easy availability of prey. “We are monitoring the situation closely and appeal to residents to remain cautious. Efforts are underway to safely capture and relocate the animal,” said a senior forest official. The incident has reignited concerns over increasing human-wildlife conflicts in Dhekiajuli’s tea belt, where dense plantations often intersect with the natural habitat of wild animals. Locals are demanding immediate action including the deployment of tranquilizer teams and the installation of trap cages to prevent further attacks.
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