An elusive leopard – suspected to be responsible for three attacks, including the death of a 55-year-old farmer and injuries to a minor boy and a woman – was captured by the forest department in Nevasa on November 5 after an intensive, 14-day search operation involving forest officials, veterinary experts and a wildlife rescue team. The leopard was tranquilised using a dart at around 5.30 pm on November 5 and subsequently secured by the rescue team. Its capture brought relief to residents who had been living in fear following a series of attacks in the area over the past few weeks.
Forest officials launched an extensive search operation, deploying trap cameras and drones to monitor leopard movement. He died in the attack. She sustained serious injuries after the leopard reportedly grabbed her by the head and neck, and tried to drag her away. A rescue team from the ManWithIndies Foundation, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, also assisted the department.
The first incident occurred on the night of October 17, when Suresh Dadasaheb Ahire, 55, was attacked while sleeping in the open near a structure storing onion in his field. In another incident at the end of October, a boy, 16, was attacked while he was out jogging in the morning. A third attack took place on November 5, when a woman, 40, sleeping in an open cattle-shed was attacked. During the initial phase of the operation, another leopard was captured in a cage after nearly 13 days of efforts.
However, officials could not establish whether or not it was the same animal responsible for Ahire’s death and the earlier attack on the minor boy.
During technical surveillance, the team spotted the suspected leopard resting in a cotton field nearby. Its repeated movement around the same residential premises helped the team narrow down its whereabouts. Thereafter, forest officials positioned a cage and deployed a veterinary team along with rescue personnel to the identified location. Under the guidance of deputy conservator of forests Dharmveer Sal Vitthal and the leadership of forest range officer Avinash Telore, the team carefully monitored the animal’s movements. Some of its teeth are missing, while others show signs of wear-and-tear. Joshi cautioned residents against assuming that the threat has completely disappeared following the capture of this animal. “People should avoid sleeping outdoors at night, ensure that children are not left unattended, and keep their premises adequately lit.
The subsequent attack on the woman on November 5 further heightened concerns, and led to renewed efforts to identify the animal involved.
Ashish Joshi, president of the ManWithIndies Foundation, said that the captured leopard is estimated to be around six to eight years’ old. If a leopard is spotted, residents should not attempt to chase or approach it, and should immediately inform the forest department,” he said.
