Golaghat: Leopard panic grips in Badulipar-Seuni villages

A Correspondent

Bokakhat: In Seuni village under Dergaon Police Station of Golaghat district, a group of leopards along with their cubs have been creating panic among the local residents for a long time. These leopards have taken shelter in a large area protected by the Indian Army (headquartered at Lichubari, Jorhat). The affected areas include Rongamati Seuni Gaon, Gariyajan, Karunating Tea Estate, and Nabajyoti village. Local farmers, residents, and commuters are living in constant fear due to these wild animals.

In recent times, the leopards have killed and consumed many cows and goats belonging to various farming families in the mentioned areas. As a result, villagers are now unable to rear cattle, buffaloes, or goats. Even poultry like ducks and chickens have often fallen prey to leopard attacks.

Worsening the situation, the only access route to the villagers’ farmland passes close to this protected area. Farmers have witnessed leopards snatching their cattle right before their eyes when heading to plough fields or graze animals.

Moreover, National Highway 37 from Badulipar to Golaghat, via the Gohain Ali road, runs alongside this protected land. Students from Nabajyoti village and Karunating Tea Estate use this road daily to reach the nearby Golok Borbora Higher Secondary School. There is a constant risk of students being attacked by leopards, which cannot be ruled out.

The protected area also borders both the mentioned tea estates, where tea workers frequently engage in leaf plucking activities.

Despite the local public raising the issue with the Forest Department several times, no officials have ever been seen visiting the spot. The area in question is under the jurisdiction of the Golaghat Range Office, which comes under the Golaghat Forest Division.

Just two days ago, three members of a family from Rongamati Seuni village, returning home after attending a family event, were blocked by a leopard resting on the Gohain Ali road within the protected area. According to the victims, even after honking repeatedly, the leopard refused to move, causing fear and panic among them. Only after a long wait the leopard finally leave the road, allowing the family to pass.

Given these incidents and the continuous threat to farmers, local residents, and students, the public has urged forest officials to act according to procedure. They have demanded that the leopards along with their cubs be captured and relocated to a safe, designated wildlife area.

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