GJ-LEOPARD

A leopard, captured by the

Gujarat forest department after it reportedly attacked and

killed two people in Chhotaudepur district, died of injuries

at a rescue centre, officials said Wednesday.

The leopard was believed to have attacked four people

in separate incidents within two days, claiming two lives

including a toddler.

The animal was captured Monday at Bandi in Pavijetpur

taluka, said Deputy Conservator of Forest Nilesh Pandya.

It was shifted to the Pavagadh rescue centre after it

was tranquilised.

"The leopard already had an injury on its leg. It died

a day after its capture," said Pandya.

"If no attack takes place in that area now, it will be

established that it was the same leopard which had attacked

humans. If attacks continue, we have to plan accordingly,"

said Pandya.

On January 4, 50-year-old farmer Balu Rathwa, working

in his cotton field in Vavdi village of Pavijetpur, was

attacked and killed by a leopard.

Three more persons were attacked in the nearby areas

on January 6, said Pandya.

"While a two and a half years old boy died of

injuries, an 8-year-old girl was critically injured. On the

same day, another local was also attacked. However, he

received minor injuries," said Pandya.