Dibrugarh: A full-grown leopard that had been keeping residents on edge near the Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Ltd (BCPL) complex at Lepetkata in Dibrugarh was finally trapped by Forest Department officials early Saturday, bringing much-needed relief to the area.
For several days, people living around the industrial site had reported sightings of the big cat prowling through the locality, sparking fear and concern. Acting on the alerts, forest personnel set up an iron cage in a strategic spot and placed live bait inside. The wait ended on Saturday morning when the leopard walked into the trap and was safely secured.
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Officials confirmed that the animal was not harmed during the operation. As per protocol, the leopard will now undergo a detailed medical check-up by veterinarians. If found fit, it will be transported deep inside Dehing Patkai National Park and released far from human settlements.
Forest staff said such incidents are not unusual in tea-garden belts, where dense vegetation attracts leopards in search of prey or territory. However, their movement into populated areas often results in panic and potential conflict. For now, residents around BCPL are breathing easier, knowing the animal has been caught and will soon be relocated to safer wild habitat.
