Baripada, Nov. 12: A leopard, which today strayed from the Similipal forest into human habitation at Udla, has injured three persons.

The injured are Bapi Murmu, Kusa Behera and Ranjan Bindhani. While the big cat first attacked Murmu, the other two went near the animal to save him.

The leopard was spotted at Jagganathi village within ward No. 12 under the Udla notified area council. It has kept the wildlife department officials on toes. Prohibitory order under 144 CrPC has been clamped by the administration as about 3,000 curious people gathered near the site. Baripada divisional forest officer Sanjay Swain said: "We had a tough time to control the crowd. Three persons have suffered injures and are under treatment."

The five-feet-long adult leopard was spotted at the farmhouse of one Purnachadra Behera of the village. Due to a huge crowd, the leopard couldn't move out and remained amid the teak trees.

Employees and officers of all ranges in Baripada and doctors of the Wildlife Trust of India and the Similipal Tiger Reserve have been engaged.

"Tranquilliser application would be the last option. This can be applied after obtaining permission from principal chief conservator of forests considering all other factors," said Swain.

Honorary wildlife warden Bhanumitra Acharya said: "The farm has been cordoned off. Although implements such as cage, net and tranquilliser are ready, we will, however, try to give safe passage to the leopard to the forest as the darkness descends."