Dibrugarh: A woman tea worker was injured after being attacked by a leopard at Raidang Tea Estate in Doomdooma, in Assam’s Tinsukia district, on Saturday morning.
The victim, identified as Mira Gajin, was reportedly attacked while plucking tea leaves in the garden.
According to reports, the leopard suddenly pounced on her during work hours, leaving her with injuries to her hand. She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and is currently undergoing treatment at Doomdooma FRU Hospital.
“The woman sustained injuries to her hand and was admitted to the hospital. She is now receiving treatment,” a forest official said.
Meanwhile, local residents staged a protest outside the forest department office, demanding immediate action and the capture of the leopard, which they claim has been roaming the area for several months.
“For the last several months, the leopard has been venturing into the tea garden area. Despite repeated complaints, the forest department has failed to capture it. We demand that an iron cage be placed to trap the animal,” a local resident said.
“We are living in constant fear due to the leopard’s presence. The forest department should take immediate steps to ensure our safety,” he added.
Residents also alleged that this was not the first such incident in the area and blamed the authorities for inaction.
“This is not the first time a leopard attack has occurred here. If timely steps had been taken earlier, such incidents could have been prevented,” another resident said.
Human-leopard conflict has been on the rise in upper Assam, largely attributed to deforestation and habitat loss.
“In search of food, leopards are increasingly entering human habitations, leading to conflict. It is a major issue in Assam, and community participation is essential to address it,” said environmentalist Devojit Moran.