A leopard attack on a schoolgirl in Kirora village, Jakholi block of Rudraprayag district, has triggered panic among residents. Following the incident, authorities at the Government Higher Secondary School Kirora have started sending students home in groups after school hours, advising parents to ensure their children also come to school in groups.
The forest department has deployed a Quick Response Team (QRT) in Kirora village, which is conducting continuous patrols in the area. On Thursday morning, around 7 a.m., Ambika, daughter of Jagdish Lal, was on her way to school when a leopard attacked her just 50 meters before the school premises. Showing immense courage, Ambika defended herself using her umbrella, hitting the leopard and managing to escape. She ran to the school and informed teachers of the incident.
In response, the school management instructed all students to remain vigilant and travel in groups. On Friday, students were sent home together for safety.
School principal-in-charge Naresh Bhatt confirmed that parents have also been advised to send their children in groups. He noted that the school is about 400 meters from the village and has requested the Block Education Officer to consider changing school timings to avoid early morning travel through the area.
Ambika, an athlete, is safe and praised for her bravery. Meanwhile, residents of Kirora remain fearful as leopard sightings continue in nearby villages. According to Sub-Divisional Forest Officer Dr. Diwakar Pant, efforts are underway to capture the leopard, and the QRT remains deployed for the safety of both students and villagers.
