GUDALUR: In a shocking incident, a leopard entered a house in Conoor in Nilgiri district and attacked 7 people. Housewife Vimala, Fire Force officials Kuttikrishnan, Kannan, Murali, Vijayakumar, Assistant Village Officer Suresh Kumar and journalist Thirusagar suffered injuries in the attack.

The leopard first attacked Vimala. On hearing the noise, other family members informed the Forest Department and police about the incident. Following this, the officials reached the spot and started searching for the leopard. During the search, the leopard pounced on the officers and attacked them. It also attacked neighbours Rajesh Kumar and Thirusagar.

Although efforts were made under the leadership of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Director Venkatesh to capture the leopard by installing cameras and setting traps, the leopard managed to escape through an open door at around 10 pm. Kuttikrishnan, who was critically injured, has been rushed to Coimbatore Medical College, while others were admitted to the Ootty Hospital. It is believed that the leopard entered the house chasing a dog.