Post-mortem report confirms internal bleeding caused leopard’s death in Kannur

The Forest department has confirmed that internal bleeding leading to hypovolemic shock caused the death of the leopard found at Palathumkadavu in Ayyankunnu, dismissing media speculation surrounding the incident as baseless and contrary to facts.

Forest officials said the post-mortem was conducted strictly in accordance with the standard operating procedures of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), and that the exact cause of death was scientifically established.

All procedures were fully video-recorded as mandated by the NTCA guidelines, he said. Before the autopsy, the carcass was thoroughly examined using a metal detector to rule out the presence of any external metallic objects, the official added.

Officials said the leopard was spotted around 5:30 p.m. on February 25 in Ward 2 of Ayyankunnu under the Iritty section in the Barapole project area where solar panels had been installed. When Forest officials reached the site for inspection, the animal reportedly attacked the staff.

Beat forest officer K. Rahul had sustained injuries in the attack and was immediately shifted to hospital. The leopard was later found dead.