A leopard’s terrified victim fights for his life yesterday… after the frenzied beast tore off half his scalp.
The creature had charged into his house after being chased by panic-stricken locals when it wandered from the jungle into a city centre.
The man was confronted by the animal when he came out of his bedroom.
He was among four people who were mauled as attempts were made to trap the leopard – though all survived.
The beast was eventually shut in the house in Guwahati, north-east India, by a rickshaw driver. The animal was tranquilised by forestry officials and taken to Assam State Zoo.
Witness Nipu Das said: “We were shocked to find the leopard inside the house and soon the cat started attacking.”
Animal experts believe it may have strayed into the city in search of food. Large areas of the previously dense jungle covering the hills surrounding Guwahati have been cleared for housing.
This has led to an increase in attacks by wild animals as they lose their habitat and their food sources.
The leopard was said to have recovered after being given a tranquiliser drug.