Leopard kills a girl in Tirumala footpath

Tirumala: In a shocking incident a girl Lakshita was killed by a leopard while she was going along with her family to Tirumala last night at Narasimha Swamy temple area on Alipiri footpath.

According to sources, Lakshita (6) was attacked by the wild animal when she was going with her father Dinesh and mother Sasikala who were from Pothireedy padu in Kovur mandal, Nellore district and took the girl away into bushes.

The parents who noticed that their daughter was not seen raised alaram and along with other pilgrims made a frantic search in vain.

Later they reached Tirumala and informed the police who registered a missing case late in the night.

After some time, police along with TTD security launched a search for the missing girl and found her body after the daybreak on Saturday.

Sources said injuries were found

on the girl' s forehead and neck.

The body was sent to Ruia hospital for a post mortem.

Sources said Forensic doctors confirmed that girl 's death was due to leopard attack .

It be noted here that in June this year a boy was attacked by a leopard but was lucky to escape from the wild animal with severe injuries.

The incident which created flutters once again revealed the vulnerability of the Alipiri footpath route passing through dense forests the natural habitation of many wild animals, through which about 15000-20000 pilgrims daily go on foot to reach Tirumala.

Following the incident, TTD Executive Officer AV Dharma Reddy held a meeting with his vigilance wing officials, police and forest top officials to take stock of the situation.

He said 150 CC cameras will be installed all along the 10 km long footpath and also police, forest and TTD vigilance will be involved in pilgrim security.

TTD is also considering to close the Alipiri footpath for pilgrims from 2 pm for the night.

He announced Rs 10 lakh as ex gratia to the gir's family which includes Rs 5 lakh each from TTD and Forest department.

It may be noted here that in such an attack by a leopard in the footpath area at 7 th mile a boy luckily survived in June.

Meanwhile, Congress leader P Naveen Kumar Reddy said TTD and forest department failed in ensuring security to pilgrims on Alipiri footpath resulting in the tragic incident of death of a girl in leopard attack.