Srinagar, Mar 28,: In a distressing incident, a 5-year-old girl was snatched from her home by a leopard in the Hariwani area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
According to reports from Srinagar-based news agency Kashmir Dot Com, the victim, identified as Toiba Mushtaq, daughter of Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, was taken by the leopard from the lawns of her residence in the evening.
Officials immediately initiated a search operation, mobilizing police, wildlife teams, and local residents to locate the missing girl. The incident has sparked concerns among the community, especially given the frequent sightings of big cats in the area. Authorities have pointed fingers at the Forest Department nursery, citing it as a potential sanctuary for these animals.
The incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance and measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the region. Authorities are urged to take swift action to ensure the safety of residents, especially children, in areas prone to wildlife encounters. (KDC)
