Urges wildlife department to rescue the wild animal for people’s safety

Pampore: In a harrowing incident, a 40-year-old truck driver narrowly escaped a leopard attack within the confines of his truck in the Pampore village area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The driver was identified as Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Khaliq, a resident of Wuyan Balla village in Pampore.
The encounter unfolded when Bhat found himself face-to-face with the leopard within the confines of his truck. Quick thinking and the use of a locker key helped him fend off the leopard. Despite sustaining minor injuries, he managed to escape. Details of the encounter remain sparse, but it is reported that the quick-witted driver evaded the leopard’s attack, avoiding potential harm. Authorities were alerted, and wildlife officials are now working to assess the situation and ensure the safety of residents in the area.
Speaking with Kashmir Reader, Ajaz said, “I am a truck driver. I was returning home after unloading the truck when I parked the vehicle near my house. I thought of locking the truck when suddenly a leopard attacked me right inside the truck. After that, it attempted to enter the truck, but I defended myself by using the truck’s locker key to counterattack for my safety. However, it attacked me again and pushed me out of the truck. By Allah’s grace, I narrowly escaped. The leopard fell into a nallah, and I fell to the ground, managing to successfully escape. I shouted for help, and after that, I confronted it face-to-face.”
“Fortunately, my truck was nearby, and with a bit of effort, I managed to hit the leopard with some tools. I then sought refuge in a neighbor’s house. I sustained minor injuries on my shoulders, back, and face during this attack. I lost consciousness at the scene and was subsequently shifted to SDH Pampore for treatment. After receiving medical care, I was brought back home,” he added.
Ajaz said that wildlife department officials visited his home, and he urged them to rescue the leopard from this area immediately. “My message to the wildlife department is that today I experienced this incident, and if a similar incident occurs tomorrow with someone else, the wildlife department will be held responsible for that incident. The wildlife department should set up a cage and promptly rescue the leopard from this area to prevent any future incidents,” he said.

BILAL HABIB