The leopard has already preyed on five people in the area in the past two days.
Tirupur: Two men were grievously injured in a leopard attack in Tirupur. The Forest Department is now in the process of trapping the predator.
The leopard initially attacked two persons working in a corn maze in Papankulam area near Avinashi. The leopard has already preyed on five people in the area in the past two days. The leopard entered the agricultural lands in Tirupur's Pongupalayam and attacked a dog, leaving the half-eaten carcass in the spot. Over 50 people involved in surveillance operations in the area could not find the leopard, despite a search being launched all night on Wednesday.
At around 10 am on Thursday morning, the leopard entered a Baniyan unit at Ammapalayam in Tirupur city area.
Rajendran who was gardening in the area was attacked and severely injured. Prem Kumar, an anti-poaching guard who arrived at the spot also fell prey to the predator. Both men are presently undergoing treatment at a hospital.
The police and forest officials have now camped at the Baniyan company in Ammapalayam to capture the leopard. The search operation was interrupted by a large number of civilians who had gathered around. The officials had to clear the civilians before continuing the search inside the locked Baniyan factory premises.
Forest officials are confident about trapping the animal soon since it is reportedly strolling in a particular area.