Surat: A three-year-old boy was killed in a leopard attack at Bhinar village of Vansda taluka in Navsari district on Monday night. His body was found about 500 metres from his home after a search by villagers, forest officials and local MLA Anant Patel.Arav Patel had gone with his mother to relieve himself at around 8pm. He was sitting near their house while his mother waited nearby when a leopard suddenly snatched him.After the attack, Arav’s mother fell unconscious. On regaining consciousness, she alerted villagers, who launched a search and called the forest department.Forest officials, villagers and MLA Anant Patel joined the search. Bloodstains on leaves pointed to the spot where the attack took place.Arav’s body was found in a forested area about 500 metres from his home.Arav’s father works as a labourer in Tamil Nadu. Forest officials and local residents have arranged for his return to Navsari. The forest department has also begun the process of providing compensation to the family.Cages have been placed in the area to capture the leopard.
