Srinagar, Jan 18: A leopard, which strayed into Pulwama town, was shot dead by police after wildlife officials failed to reach the spot on time due to “traffic jam”, a police officer said here today.
 The wild animal entered Purchoo village yesterday and attacked a minor girl following which the villagers informed the police which in turn informed the wildlife officials, Pulwama SSP, Kifayat Haider said.
 After a four-hour-long operation, police managed to confine the leopard in a cowshed and then again informed the wildlife department. “But despite their repeated calls, the officials did not reach the spot before dusk,” he said.
 Meanwhile, the leopard injured several persons while making repeated attempts to flee. Finally the police made the decision to shoot the animal as the darkness was growing and the big cat could escape anytime, Haider said.
 Two policemen were selected to kill the leopard. Suddenly the animal attempted to flee through an open window following which the men shot at it. However, the leopard caught hold of a youth. The policemen fired at the leopard again following which it died on the spot, he said, adding the youth got a bullet injury on his leg in the process.
 The body of the leopard was handed over to a wildlife team which reached the village later.
 “The team said they were caught up in many traffic jams which resulted in the delay,” the SSP said.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 IST