Leopard turns up at ATM, attacks guard

GUWAHATI: While it's unlikely that the leopard found prowling near an automated teller machine (ATM) in the heart of Guwahati would find employment as a brand ambassador of the bank, it is to be hoped that the poor, startled 4-year-old feline gets a life it deserves.

For the past week, Guwahati has been abuzz with the news of a leopard on the streets of the capital, pushing administration to the edge. Two people were injured after crossing the path of the bewildered big cat - which had probably sneaked in from a nearby forest in Nilachal Hills - while residents of Panbazar area were living in absolute dread.

Lost in the concrete maze, the leopard was finally ensnared and the entire town let out a sigh of relief.

Zoo divisional forest officer Narayan Mahanta said the male leopard was tranquillised and trapped from a narrow alley abutting a shopping complex at Fancy Bazar, the main commercial hub here at 9 am on Monday. "We could get hold of the leopard without much fuss. It was hiding below a water pumpset when we darted it. The leopard is now under observation at the zoo," Mahanta said.

In the last few days, the leopard was spotted at different locations in the city. It spent considerable time around the ATM counter where it even attacked the guard. Residents of Panbazar didn't believe the stories and the zoo officials galvanised into action only after two people were hurt by the elusive beast.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com