Was the Leopard that Attacked a Four-Year-Old Girl in Valparai Captured by TN Forest Dept?
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Synopsis
A tragic incident involving a leopard in Valparai has led to the successful capture of the animal by the Forest Department. This event underscores the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region, prompting authorities to implement proactive measures to ensure community safety.
Key Takeaways
- Leopard captured after attack on four-year-old girl.
- Roshini Kumari tragically lost her life.
- Forest Department is monitoring the area with camera traps.
- Government provided financial support to the family.
- Community safety measures are being enhanced.
Chennai, June 26 (NationPress) The leopard suspected of fatally attacking a four-year-old girl near Valparai in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore district has been successfully trapped by the Forest Department.
Officials confirmed that the animal was captured during the early hours of Thursday in a cage set near Pachamalai, adjacent to the tea estate where the tragic incident occurred.
The cage was strategically placed about 700 meters from the line houses of estate workers, close to the exact location where the leopard attacked Roshini Kumari around 6:30 PM on Friday, June 20.
The leopard reportedly dragged the girl into nearby tea bushes and deeper into an adjacent forest area. Her remains were found around 11:30 AM the following day.
Roshini, whose family migrated from Jharkhand, had recently relocated to the tea estate at Pachamalai just 10 days prior to the incident.
In reaction to this serious attack, the Pollachi Range of the Forest Department deployed 20 camera traps to monitor leopard activity around the workers’ residential areas and the adjacent forest.
Authorities from the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) coordinated the response efforts.
As part of the government’s support initiatives, Pollachi MP K. Eswarasamy presented a solatium of Rs 9.5 lakh to Roshini’s family on Sunday.
An immediate relief of Rs 50,000 was provided to the family the very next day.
This incident has once again drawn attention to the ongoing issue of human-wildlife conflict in the Valparai plateau, known for its frequent leopard sightings, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Forest authorities have urged local estate workers and residents to remain vigilant and refrain from venturing out in the early morning or nighttime hours.
Additional safety measures and community awareness programs are being reinforced.
This marks the third significant leopard-related incident in Valparai in recent months.
In October 2024, another four-year-old girl, Apsara Khatun—also from a migrant family from Jharkhand—was killed in a leopard attack near Uzhemala estate.
Earlier, on November 6, 2023, a seven-year-old boy named Pradeep was injured in a leopard encounter near Sirukundra within ATR limits.
Wildlife experts are advocating for long-term mitigation strategies, including protective fencing, improved lighting in worker quarters, and potentially relocating vulnerable communities away from forest edges.
Forest officials have assured local communities that ongoing efforts will continue to prevent further tragedies and enhance human safety in the area.
aal/rad
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of understanding the complexities of human-wildlife interactions. This tragic incident in Valparai serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance we must maintain. While the Forest Department's efforts to trap the leopard are commendable, we must also explore long-term solutions to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
NationPress
26/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the four-year-old girl in Valparai?
The girl, Roshini Kumari, was attacked by a leopard while playing near her home. Sadly, she did not survive the incident.
How did the Forest Department respond?
The Forest Department successfully trapped the leopard suspected of the attack and deployed camera traps to monitor leopard activity in the area.
What support did the girl's family receive?
The family received a solatium of Rs 9.5 lakh and an immediate relief of Rs 50,000 from local authorities.
What measures are being taken to ensure community safety?
Authorities are urging locals to avoid venturing out during early morning or nighttime hours and are reinforcing community awareness and safety protocols.
How common are leopard attacks in Valparai?
Leopard attacks have become increasingly frequent in Valparai, highlighting an ongoing conflict between human settlements and wildlife.
