A woman was killed in a leopard attack in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday evening, September 24, 2026. The Sujauli area of the Katarniaghat Wildlife Division was the subject of concern for people living in the vicinity of forest and agricultural areas.
The victim was identified as Mamta Devi. The Times of India and Hindustan Times report different ages for her, with 32 and 35, respectively, and both reports say she was attacked when she was working in a field near her home.
Woman Attacked While Picking Vegetables
According to The Times of India, Mamta was attacked in Gradian Purwa village at about 5 pm when she was picking ridge gourd in a field situated only around 10 metres from her house.
According to local reports, the leopard came out of a sugarcane field and attacked her. Her family and villagers sounded the alarm after the incident, forcing the leopard to move away from the area.
Forest officials later reached the location and confirmed that the woman died after the leopard attack.
Police and Forest Teams Reach the Spot
After the attack, police and forest officials arrived at the village. The woman's body was taken for post-mortem examination as part of the official procedure.
Katarniaghat forest officials have started working to track the leopard. The authorities also want people living around forest areas and agricultural fields to be wary and avoid unnecessary movement in vulnerable areas.
The incident has caused fear among residents, particularly because villagers reported that leopards had been seen in the agricultural fields in the area for several days.
Fourth Fatal Leopard Attack in a Month
The latest incident has raised further concern because it is the fourth human death due to leopard attacks in Bahraich district in about a month, officials told The Times of India.
The Katarniaghat region, with forested areas as well as villages and agricultural land, brings people and wildlife into close proximity.
Another elderly woman was also killed by a leopard in Katarniaghat last month. Amar Ujala reported on September 18 that an 86-year-old woman was attacked while sleeping in a thatched house in Sitarampurwa.
Villagers Express Concern
The latest death has increased anxiety among the affected villages. Local residents told Amar Ujala that the leopard had been seen in and around the village for several days.
Forest officials started looking for the animal after the attack. Residents also need to be careful when walking in fields or moving close to forested areas.
