Koodal: Fear has gripped the residents of Injappara after a leopard killed and partially ate a two-year-old calf belonging to Raji Abraham of Vadakke Muruppel, Koodal.

The incident came to light on Thursday morning when the family reached their property to relocate the cattle. The calf, which had been let loose for grazing, was missing and was later found dead, mauled by the leopard. On being alerted, a team of forest officials inspected the site and left after assessing the situation. However, when the family revisited the area later that night, they discovered that the remaining parts of the carcass had been eaten. Following this, the Forest Department set up a cage and installed a camera trap at the site.

In the past two weeks, a leopard has reportedly killed at least two dogs in the same locality. Residents have also claimed to have seen a large leopard and two cubs moving through the area recently.

A few years ago, a leopard was captured from the same village after it killed a goat owned by a local resident, Madhahil Babu. The area where leopard movements are now being reported after dusk lies close to that earlier site of capture. Locals say sightings have become increasingly frequent in recent months.

Even as the leopard continues to prey on livestock, including cows and goats, residents allege that the Forest Department has failed to provide compensation for the losses. Many also complain that the department’s efforts to address the situation have been ineffective, leaving farmers anxious and unable to rear animals safely.

The situation has now turned so alarming that people are reluctant to step out after dark. Rubber-tapping workers, too, have been forced to avoid work during the early hours out of fear of a possible attack.