Dehradun: In a shocking incident, a 55-year-old woman was killed by a leopard at Rajaji Tiger Reserve in Raiwala, Uttarakhand. The woman identified as Sampatti Devi hailing from Gauhrimafi village went missing on Wednesday only to be found dead in Motichur range. Her half-eaten body was recovered from a spot around 60 metres into the deep forests of Rajaji National Park. According to police officials, it is the 18th leopard attack incident to be reported from the Motichur range in three years.

As per TOI reports, the victim along with a relative had gone into the forest area to collect wood. It was here when she was attacked by the leopard. While the relative accompanying her managed to escape the leopard attack and raised an alarm, Sampatti Devi went missing since 10. 30 am on Wednesday morning. A few hours later, the locals found the half-eaten body of the woman.

About the leopard attack on woman resulting in her death, Sanatan Sonkar, director of Rajaji National Park was quoted saying, “Despite repeated warnings, two women went into the forest area and were attacked by a leopard on Wednesday morning. While one of them was lucky enough to escape, the other woman was killed.”

“We have been campaigning extensively about the dangers of venturing into the reserve which has wild elephants and leopards. However, locals ignore such warnings and go into the forests to collect firewood and fodder,” he further added.

Leopard attacks in Rajaji National Park have become frequent with more than a dozen killed in last two years. There have been several reports over some leopards turning man-eaters with leopards hunting for human flesh. Not just leopards, human find themselves under attack of elephants as well. In 2017, a 55-year-old woman was plummeted to death in an elephant attack.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 10, 2018 12:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).