Sheopur (Madhya Pradesh): A female Cheetah named Gamini and her cub from Kuno National Park entered a village, attacked a calf and preyed on it, in Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday.
The incident was captured in a video by the villagers which has surfaced on social media.
According to information, the incident took place in Hasanpur village under Jakhaida Gram Panchayat in Karahal block.
Cheetah Gamini and her cub reached the village after passing through nearby fields. The villagers were busy with their daily chores when suddenly cows tied in Pappu Patelia’s yard started making noise.
One of the cheetahs attacked the calf that was tied nearby. Both cheetahs stayed in the area for almost an hour, eating the calf. One of them was seen eating while the other rested. Some villagers recorded the incident from a distance.
Scared, villagers locked themselves inside their homes. They immediately informed the forest officials. A team arrived on the spot and started monitoring the situation.
Affected farmer to be compensated
According to Kuno CCF Uttam Kumar Sharma, the villager whose calf was killed will receive compensation. The monitoring team managed to drive the cheetahs back out of the village. Efforts are now being made to safely return them to the Kuno sanctuary.
Forest officials are keeping a close watch on the cheetahs’ movement. Patrolling has also been leveled-up in nearby areas.
The incident has created panic and anger among the villagers. They demanded that the forest department ensure stronger safety measures to prevent wild animals from entering residential areas.
Villagers suggest awareness campaigns
Villager Dhruv Meena said if the forest team hadn’t arrived on time, the situation could have been worse.
This is not the first time cheetahs have left the Kuno sanctuary, but this time they entered a populated area and hunted a domestic animal.
Villagers also suggested that awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate people about what to do if wild animals enter their villages. They also demanded more night patrolling in such sensitive areas.
