Guwahati, Jan 20 (IANS) At least three people were mauled by a leopard Friday in the heart of Assam’s main city of Guwahati after the big cat strayed into a human settlement from an adjoining hillock.

The incident took place around midday in the city’s Pandu area, with the leopard entering the busy locality and attacking out of panic.

“It appeared to be a full-grown leopard and before anyone could react, it simply went berserk and injured three people,” said Dharani Bora, an eyewitness.

The three were admitted to a local hospital, one of them with serious injuries.

Forest officials, meanwhile, arrived at the scene and were trying to locate the cat.

“We are yet to locate the leopard although efforts are on,” an official said.

On Jan 7, one person was killed and three were injured when a leopard went on a rampage in the city’s busy Silpukhuri area.

The cat was later tranquilised and set free in the Manas Tiger Reserve last week.