the goan I network
VASCO
Dismissing claims of a leopard sighting at Bhutebhat-Vasco, Mormugao Municipal Council councillor Rochana Borker and her husband Girish, on Wednesday, appealed to residents in the area not to panic and live in fear.
“The forest department has not confirmed the animal’s presence, but only said that there could be a possibility of a leopard in the area based on what some locals claimed,” said Girish.
Speaking to reporters, Girish said since a part of Bhutebhat area was in the ward represented by his wife, the forest department should have also informed her about the inspection to enable them convey the message to the residents who are panic-stricken.
Borker also rubbished claims that the leopard could have been displaced from Bogmalo area.
“There is no chance that the leopard could come from Bogmalo to Bhutebhat, which is around 5 kms, without being sighted by people on the way. There is no thick forest range connecting Bogmalo and Bhutebhat for it to arrive here without being noticed,” reasoned Girish.
“A leopard is known to make strange sounds, but for the last three days no one has heard any. If the leopard had been here on Monday night, it could not have gone anywhere else as the fields end into the city. And considering that it had not gone to the city and is still in the fields, it would definitely have attacked a dog, pig or a cattle by now.”
Girish, however, admitted the possibility of a leopard being spotted in Bogmalo, since some cows had been reported wounded. “Neither do I doubt the judgement of the forest department nor do I say that the person who saw it could be wrong. It could be a case of mistaken identity.”
