Non-cooperation from people, tried to provoke leopard by taking photos; criticizes Minister Saseendran

PALAKKAD: Minister A K Saseendran came forward reacting to the death of the leopard that got trapped in a chicken coop at Mekkalapara in Mannarkkad. He said the cause of death will be known only after getting the post-mortem report.

The minister also criticized for the non-cooperation of the people over the incident. People tried to provoke the animal by taking photos etc. The people should cooperate with the forest department. The minister added that in such cases the instructions given by the forest guards should be followed.

The leopard entered the chicken coop at Philip's house early Sunday morning. The leopard got stuck in the cage while trying to eat the chicken. A team led by Dr Arun Zacharia had left to Mannarkkad from Wayanad.

The animal was confirmed dead after it lay motionless in the cage for a long time. Heart attack is stated to be the cause of death.