An Indian leopard was shot dead after it crossed into Pakistan's Punjab province and severely injured two persons, officials said today.

According to reports, the big cat crossed the border at Taran yesterday and attacked a group of people, creating panic in a village close to the border at Ferozewala, located 60 km from Lahore.

Residents of the village, instead of informing the wildlife department, shot the leopard dead after it critically injured the two persons.

The injured were admitted to a hospital in Sheikhura district, where officials describe their condition as critical.

This was the second instance of an Indian leopard straying across the border in the past few weeks. Last month, Pakistani wildlife authorities captured an Indian leopard from near the international border after it entered their territory in Narowal sector.

The leopard has been kept at Lahore Zoo and authorities are now trying to find a mate for it.