Forest Officials Unable to Confirm Whether It Was a Leopard or a Tiger
Malappuram, Kerala, May 15 – A 45-year-old rubber-tapping worker lost his life in a wildcat attack during the early hours of Thursday near Kalikavu in Malappuram district, police confirmed.The victim, identified as Gafoor, was on his way to work alongside another rubber-tapper when the incident occurred. According to the survivor, the wild animal pounced on Gafoor and dragged him away into the forested area.
Authorities were alerted after local residents discovered Gafoor’s partially devoured body and reported the incident to the police.
While the police and forest officials have launched an investigation, they have yet to determine whether the attacker was a leopard or a tiger.
The disturbing nature of the incident has triggered concerns among locals, especially those working in remote forest-bordering plantations. Enhanced surveillance and preventive measures are expected to be deployed in the area following the attack.