A leopard was found dead in the Naghbagh area in Chambi gram panchayat, 7 km from here, today. The carcass of the animal bore injury marks and some of its parts were allegedly found removed from it. According to information, the leopard fell down from a 100-ft slope and its carcass was spotted in the Naghbagh area of Chambi. Local residents informed forest officials about the incident.
Some persons removed the flesh and claws from the carcass before it was taken into custody by officials of the Forest Department. As per belief these parts of the animal are stated to be useful for some religious ceremony, residents of the area said.
Later, its autopsy was conducted at Veterinary Hospital, Sundernagar.
The autopsy report said it had suffered a chest injury, one of its legs was fractured and some claws were missing. It had died because of shock due to haemorrhage. It was further revealed that the injury could be accidental.
According to DFO, Sundernagar, Ajit Thakur as per information received by him he did not see any possibility of poaching or killing of the animal. However, it was revealed by the staff that some people tried to damage the body with sickles and some of its nails were found missing.
He added when the autopsy report would be received further action would be taken, and if it was found that some of its parts had been removed, a case under the Wildlife Protection Act would be registered against culprits.
He said the carcass was consigned to the flames in the presence of a committee constituted under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, headed by the ACF, Sundernagar.
Residents of Chambi said the carcass of leopard was recovered from the area which has been wrongly leased out to Harish Cement Ltd without complying with the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act.
