MANSEHRA: A common leopard killed a man in the reserved forests of Battal area here early on Monday.

The residents told reporters that Mohammad Arshad, 40, had gone to the Katha Shakura Rihari reserved forest in Gal Gali area, where a common leopard attacked him causing his instant death.

They said they took the body to a nearby hospital, whose doctors handed it over to the family after completing medicolegal formalities.

Divisional wildlife officer Taimur Shah said preliminary investigation had confirmed the man’s death in leopard attack.

He said the deceased had gone deep into the reserved forests though the department had repeatedly warned the residents against doing so to prevent attacks by wild animals.

Mr Shah said the department had recommended financial assistance for the deceased’s family.

He said the fresh cold wave caused by heavy snowfall could force wildcats to leave forests for human settlements in search of food and therefore, his department was using all possible means to restrict them.

The official said human settlements could see an influx of wild animals, especially common leopards, wildlife camera traps and cages had been placed at three entry and exit points of the forests to protect people’s life.

He asked the residents not to go to reserved forests for own safety.

HELD: The Oghi police on Monday arrested three drug peddlers after seizing over 10kg charas.

A police party led by SHO of Oghi police station Faisal Khalil raided a house in Shahkot area, seized 4kg charas and arrested Anwar Gul.

It also held Ajmal and Zareen Taj in Dilbori and Khanian areas after recovering six kilogrammes charas from them.

The SHO said more arrests could be made during the ongoing crackdown on drug pushers in Oghi and adjoining areas.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2020