Pampore: Following a recent harrowing leopard attack on a truck driver in Wuyan village of Pampore, the Wildlife Department Range Khrew has swiftly initiated an extensive night search operation in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
The targeted response came after the truck driver miraculously escaped the leopard attack, prompting the Wildlife Department to assemble a dedicated rescue team armed with tranquilizer guns. Acting promptly upon a distress call reporting the leopard’s presence in Wuyan Balla, the team, led by Wildlife Ranger Shahid Sultan under the supervision of Ranger Khrew, launched a massive search operation at Wuyan village, according to officials.
To ensure the safety of the local community and capture the leopard without harm, a strategically placed trap has been deployed in the village. An official informed Kashmir Reader that residents are urged to remain vigilant as the Wildlife Department actively works to resolve the situation and secure the area from potential wildlife threats.
Sultan emphasized the comprehensive nature of the search operation, stating, “We have launched a search operation to catch the leopard roaming in the area.” He highlighted that nightly patrols have been ongoing since the initial incident when the leopard attacked the truck driver, who managed to escape with minor injuries. The alert was sounded three days ago, and last evening, the Wildlife surveillance team conducted a search operation in the premises of JK Minerals Wuyan, with tonight’s night patrol already underway.
“We have already installed a cage there, and we will make efforts to rescue the leopard soon. Our focus is to ensure no civilian damage occurs,” said Wildlife Ranger Shahid Sultan. A few days ago, the truck driver, identified as Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, narrowly escaped the leopard attack within the confines of his truck in Wuyan Balla village in Pampore.

BILAL HABIB