KOLAR: A 15-year-old boy and his grandfather were mauled to death by a wild animal at N Golla Halli in Vokleri Hobli on the outskirts of the city in the wee hours of Wednesday.
Venkatesh (60) and his grandson Mahesh, residents of Golla Halli, were going to their field on a two-wheeler when they were attacked, it is said.
Villagers found the mutilated bodies, with bite and claw marks on their face and throat, and informed the forest and police officials.
Forest officials could not confirm what animal had attacked the duo, as a large crowd that gathered at the spot obliterated the tracks.
It is suspected that a leopard or a wolf may have killed the duo.
Deputy Commissioner K V Thrilok Chandra, who visited the spot, directed forest officials to trap the wild animal, and depute experts to track it immediately.
Superintendent of Police Ajay Hilori said the bite marks on the throat of Venkatesh and the gashes on Mahesh’s face suggest that the animal was a wolf.
However, Hilori said, a clear picture would emerge only after the autopsy.
He added that scores of police and district armed police personnel have been stationed in and around the village as a precautionary measure. District Forest Officer Jagadeesh confirmed that they could not identify the animal as the crowd had wiped out the animal’s tracks. Experts are combing the surrounding areas to discover tracks, he added.
Wildlife Warden Thyagaraj said all senior officials and wildlife experts have rushed to the village to take stock of the situation.