Female leopard seen on camera near spot of Aarey infant killing

Mumbai: The forest department has zeroed in on a 3-4 year old female leopard who was caught on a camera trap just 15 minutes after the attack on an infant, Itika Lot, on October 24. The leopard was photographed in close vicinity of the attack spot.

- Clara.Lewis

The child died while undergoing treatment in the hospital due to serious neck injuries.

Following the infant's death, two male leopards of the same age had been trapped within a few days of each other. The two male leopards have a female sibling.

Santhosh Sasthe, deputy conservator of forests, Thane Range, under whose jurisdiction the Aarey Colony falls, said the camera picture was matched with existing records and the female leopard has been identified.

"We immediately wrote to the principal chief conservator of forests, seeking permission to trap the animals which has been granted," he said. The permission is valid for 30 days.