Villagers kill fishing cat in Munshiganj after public announcement
Following the killing, locals were seen celebrating and later buried the animal
Residents of Rautbhog village in Munshiganj's Tongibari upazila killed a large fishing cat, approximately five feet long, after gathering following a public announcement.
The incident occurred yesterday afternoon (9 January).
Following the killing, locals were seen celebrating and later buried the animal.
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Villagers said two fishing cats had been roaming the Robnagar Kandi and Rautbhog areas for some time. They claimed the animals were responsible for snatching a baby goat from a tea stall and causing fear among residents with their roars.
On Wednesday evening, when one fishing cat was spotted roaring near Rautbhog, an announcement was made to gather people. Villagers surrounded the animal near a local leader's house, but fear prevented them from attacking initially. A villager eventually speared the animal, injuring it, though it managed to escape.
The following day, locals discovered the injured fishing cat in a nearby betel leaf garden and killed it with sticks.
Shaheen, a local shopkeeper, said, "Forest officials later advised us not to harm such animals in the future but to report them for safe handling."
Forest Officer Humayun Mia confirmed the incident, saying, "When I arrived, the animal had already been buried. I explained to the villagers the importance of notifying us instead of resorting to violence."
