Rourkela: Panic has gripped residents of two villages in Bonai sub-division of Sundargarh district after suspected leopards allegedly killed eight goats over the past four days.
Sources said two goat carcasses were found in Balai reserve forest within Sole range, while six were discovered in Madhurdima reserve forest under Jarda range. Residents of Kelo and Sulguda villages, located in these forest ranges, alleged that leopards were responsible for killing them.
“If the post-mortem reports confirm the deaths occurred due to leopard attacks, we will provide Rs 4,000 compensation for each goat to the owners,” said K C Kisan, range officer of Jarda and in-charge of Sole range.
He added, “We have advised residents of both villages to stay alert, refrain from entering the forest, and prevent livestock from grazing in forest.”