Students stay home after spotting leopard on the way to school

Students of the Government Higher Primary School at Byrapura in N.R. Pura taluk of Chikkamagaluru remained absent for two days after encountering a leopard on their route to school. The incident prompted Block Education Officer Shabana Anjum to visit the village on Thursday and interact with parents.

The children spread over hamlets Marathi Camp, Chowdigadde have been admitted to school at Byrapura. Every day they walk about two to three km to reach the school. A few of them spotted a leopard on their way back home on Tuesday. The next day, the parents visited the school to convey that they would not send their children as they were all afraid of the wild animals on the path. The area is adjacent to the Bhadra Tiger Reserve.

On Thursday, when Ms. Anjum visited the village, parents conveyed to the officer that the children had to walk about three km in the forest area to reach the school. They were in fear as they spotted the movement of wild animals in the area. They wanted the district administration to ensure the safety of their children.