Suspected presence of leopard leads to ‘night curfew’ on Central University of Kerala campus

Periya: The Central University of Kerala (CUK), located at Periya in Kasaragod district of Kerala, has banned ‘outdoor activities’ on the campus between 8 pm and 7 am, considering the risk of an attack by a leopard.

A circular in this regard was issued by the university registrar-in-charge, Dr R Jayaprakash, based on a suggestion by the DFO (divisional forest officer), Kasaragod. The DFO made the suggestion after receiving reports of sightings of a leopard in areas adjacent to the university.

Following the circular, the University library will be closed by 8 pm and will not open before 7 am. Students staying in University hostels and faculty and staff residing in the quarters have been instructed not to venture into wooded areas on the campus.

The registrar’s circular also stated that stray dogs and cats on campus should not be fed, and efforts must be made to force these animals to leave the area. Residents on the campus have also been advised to handle food with care.

The other suggestions include avoiding walks on the campus early in the morning and late in the evening, taking such walks in groups rather than individually and patrolling by the security personnel at least thrice every night.

The registrar has directed the deans, heads of the departments, wardens and matrons to convey the contents of the circular to students. Residents of areas such as Thannott Pullanchikuzhy and Kaliyanganam, near the campus, have reported seeing a leopard in recent days.