An extensive search for a stray leopard has begun in Siddharthnagar district’s Doaba area. The leopard has attacked and injured eight villagers in the last one month.

The animal was said to have escaped from the deep woods of Kartaniyaghaat Reserved Forest, situated at the Indo-Nepal border. At least three Forest department teams have been pressed into service to hunt the leopard. Around six cages have been put up at different points near Kuda river in Doaba.

Among the eight injured, most were attacked inside their household. The animal had wounded Sukhraji Devi (45) at Deokali village on Saturday evening. Earlier in the afternoon, it had attacked Makanchu (25) at Amwa village. According to the locals, the leopard was first spotted a week ago in Banraha village.

“I have directed forest officials to push the animal into its natural habitat,” said B K Patnaik, state Chief Wildlife Conservator. Asked if any tranquilizer team was being rushed, he said: “The team has been alerted and will be sent to the spot in case the animal does not return to its habitat by then.”

“We can shoot the animal but for that it must be declared a maneater,” said an official.

District Forest Officer J K Singh said that Suhkraji Devi has been referred to PGI in Lucknow.

The Forest department is also making a list of those who had sustained injuries in the attacks for compensation, he added.