The villagers, recovering from the hangover of Holi, were rudely jolted when the panther had pounced on Fatehsinh Katuria (32), Chhaganbhai Vasava (29) and his brother Dhirubhai Vasava (24). All the three persons were attacked around 7 am on March 3 when they had gone to answer nature's call.

As the news spread, forest officials and mamlatdar reached in the spot. The villagers told the officials that the panther was still hiding in the bushes.Even as the officials were telling the villagers that it cannot be hiding in the bushes, Fatehsinh Rupa (35), became fourth victim. The panther pounced on Rupa in the presence of people.

Ultimately, the villagers succeeded in chasing away the panther after setting the bush in fire. As the victims were being taken to hospital, recounted the sarpanch Suresh Vasava, the villagers vented their anger at officials. The villagers asked the officials to cage the panther. The officials were allowed to go only after they were assured that a cage would be brought from Waghai to catch the panther.

For the last one week villagers have kept a goat inside the cage to trap the panther but in vain. The villager say they have seen the pug mark of the panther and hear roaring.

Deputy conservator of Forest N A Chaudhary says there is nothing to worry about. The villagers are unnecessarily panicked, the panther is gone, he said.

According to Chaudhary, the panther might have strayed into the village which is surrounded by thick forest.

However, the villagers have stopped taking their animals for grazing. Nobody goes to field at night which used to be a practice to protect groundnut crop. The villagers have also stopped selling milk to Sumul Dairy as its vehicle arrives at 5 A.M.

Meanwhile, Katuria, Rupa and Chhagan's younger brother have been admitted to the Songadh Government hospital. Chhagan, who has serious injuries was taken to Sardar Memorial Hospital Bardoli. All four were still in hospital.

A number of villagers in Khairwada have complained against forest officials and mamlatdar's for not giving them compensation. The victims are entitled to compensation as per the Act.

Chhaganbhai told Express Newsline that he had received no ``assistance''. All the four victims are labourers.

The DCF, however, said ``cheques have been issued. If they have not got it, they will get tomorrow.'' Each victim is to be paid Rs 2500.