A four-year-old girl who was grievously injured in a leopard attack near her residence in Gujarat’s Dang district succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment on Thursday, forest department officials said.
The child, identified as Riya Salkar, was attacked three days ago in Daher village of Subir taluka. Following her death, the forest department has intensified efforts to trap the leopard, installing six cages across the village.
Attack near home after wedding visit
The incident occurred around 9.30 pm on January 26, when Riya was returning home with her grandmother, Shantiben, after attending a wedding function. According to officials, the two had almost reached their house when a leopard hiding nearby suddenly attacked the child, biting her on the neck and attempting to drag her away.
Shantiben raised an alarm, prompting her daughter Anuben Dalvi and other villagers to rush to the spot. Armed with a wooden stick and aided by the gathering crowd, they managed to scare the leopard away, saving the child from being dragged further.
Multiple hospital referrals, injuries prove fatal
Riya sustained severe injuries to her neck and throat. She was first taken to a nearby Primary Health Centre, after which she was shifted to Ahwa Civil Hospital. As her condition worsened, she was later referred to Valsad Civil Hospital, where she succumbed during treatment.
Dang South Range Forest Officer Archana Hira said the injuries were deep and caused by the leopard’s jaws.
Cages set up, alert sounded
Forest department teams have set up six cages in and around Daher village and intensified patrolling to prevent further incidents. Villagers have been advised to avoid moving outdoors at night and to remain vigilant.
The incident has triggered fear among residents of forest-adjacent villages, once again highlighting the growing human-wildlife conflict in tribal and rural areas.