HT Correspondent
MARGHERITA, June 25: Panic has gripped Margherita town in Tinsukia district following repeated sightings of a full-grown leopard in and around the premises of the abandoned A.R. & T. Company Limited Veneer Mill, prompting residents to urge the Forest Department to take immediate action.
According to local residents, the leopard was first spotted on June 20 inside the compound of the century-old veneer mill, which has remained closed for several years and is now overgrown with dense vegetation, providing a suitable habitat for wild animals.
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The animal reportedly created alarm after killing a goat within the locality.
Residents claimed to have witnessed the leopard in the area, triggering fear among nearby inhabitants.
Fresh panic spread on Thursday morning when the leopard was reportedly seen drinking water from the Buridehing River near Ward No 6 of Margherita town.
The sighting caused concern among traders, shopkeepers and residents in the busy market area.
Following the repeated appearances of the big cat, local residents questioned the response of the Forest Department under the Digboi Forest Division and urged officials to take immediate measures to capture the animal and prevent any untoward incident.
The incident has created widespread concern across Margherita, with many residents expressing fear over the safety of people and livestock.
Forest officials are expected to monitor the situation and take appropriate steps to ensure public safety while safeguarding the animal in accordance with wildlife conservation norms.
