Leopard spotted on farm

Kurnool: A farmer, Hameed of Basavapuram village in Mahanandi mandal, has spotted a leopard in a farm land on Monday night. According to Hameed, he accompanied by two others had gone to his agricultural field on Monday night. He took his pet dog along with him for 
security. 

On noticing leopard, the dog began barking. As the entire location was pitch dark, Hameed could not spot the big cat. As the dog continued barking, Hameed suspected something is wrong. He immediately switched on a torch light and spotted a big cat at a distance. In a fear, they stood motionless. After some time, the leopard has vanished into the forest, Hameed said. 

On Tuesday morning, villagers informed Forest Security Officer (FSO) G Rama Krishna about leopard. The FSO accompanied with his staff visited the farm field where the leopard was spotted and secured the pug marks. 

Even, the Forest Range Officer (FRO) TYS Goud also visited the place and spoke to the villagers. The FRO said the farmers will get compensation to the damaged crop from the stage government. He also educated the villagers not to harm the wild animals as there are stringent laws. 

Anyone found to guilty then they have to undergo severe punishment, he warned. The FRO assured villagers of providing security and suggested them not to go out alone during night hours.