Woman critically injured in Tinsukia leopard attack

Dibrugarh: A 58-year-old woman was critically injured in a leopard attack in Tinsukia town early Monday morning. The incident occurred at around 5:30am at the residence of the victim, Dipti Das, on Rangagora Road when she stepped outside after hearing dogs barking. She sustained severe injuries to her forehead, neck, and hands, bearing deep claw marks from the predator's attack.
"I heard dogs barking frantically and went outside to check what was happening. I saw the leopard chasing the dogs, and when I tried to raise an alarm, it suddenly leaped at me, attacking me with its sharp claws. It was terrifying, and I feared for my life," she recounted from her hospital bed.
Her daughter, who rushed outside upon hearing her mother's screams, described the horrifying scene. "I found my mother lying on the ground, covered in blood," said Das's daughter, who immediately transported her to Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Civil Hospital for emergency treatment.
The location where the incident occurred is a densely populated area and it has particularly concerned local residents, as it indicates the leopard ventured deep into urban territory. Forest officials promptly visited the site to assess the situation. They have urged residents to remain vigilant and recommended installing proper lighting in residential areas.
"This is the first time we've witnessed such an incident in such a bustling neighbourhood. Such incidents are rare, but sometimes leopards stray into human settlements searching for easy prey, such as stray dogs and livestock," a forest official said.