Siliguri, 22nd December: In a shocking incident, an adult leopard was brutally beaten by forest workers and then shot dead at Rangapani’s Simultala village, on the eve of December 16. The incident triggered protests among the animal rights groups.
Continuing the protest, various welfare organizations held a press conference at the Siliguri Journalists’ Club today. The organization members alleged that although the forest department was already informed regarding the leopard in the village, no proper action was taken in advance.
The forest department in a press note stated that,“the forest staff opened fire in self defence and in the process the leopard died.” However, members of the welfare organizations refused to accept the justification. Meanwhile, an inquiry into the incident was conducted by the Chief Wildlife Warden but no report has been received till date. Hence, the organizations now demand the autopsy report to be revealed soon and appropriate punishment should be provided to the culprits.
Earlier on Thursday, the Darjeeling District Legal Aid Forum, SNAP, and ‘Ei Prajanma’ organizations staged a silent demonstration near Mahatma Gandhi’s statue next to the Head Post Office in Siliguri. Candles were lighted during the programme.