Leopard kills minor girl in Dahod district of Gujarat

A nine-year-old girl was mauled to death by a leopard in Dumka forest area in Dahod district of Gujarat Wednesday, a forest department official said.

Ashwanita, daughter of Gordhanbhai Pasaya of Kotli village was attacked by the animal when she had gone to the forest to collect firewood with some women, Deputy Conservator of Forests J L Zala said.

"Other women escaped as the leopard attacked her," Zala said.

The mauled body of the victim was found 20-30 metres away from the spot where the girl was attacked, he said. Forest officials have set cages with bait in the area to trap the leopard, Zala added.