A leopard suspected of being involved in multiple fatal attacks was captured on Tuesday in Shirur tehsil of Pune district, following the death of a 13-year-old boy two days earlier. The incident has triggered widespread public concern, leading to protests and renewed discussions on human-wildlife conflict in Maharashtra.
Recent Incident and Capture
Forest officials stated that while the captured leopard is believed to be the same animal responsible for recent attacks, confirmation is still underway. The most recent victim, Rohan Bombe, was killed while returning home, prompting residents to demand immediate action. Following growing pressure, authorities imposed a shoot-at-sight order before the leopard was located and captured alive.
Relocation Plans
Forest Minister Ganesh Naik announced that the leopard will be relocated to the Vantara rehabilitation facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The minister added that further monitoring and assessment will determine whether additional leopards are active in the region.
Public Response and Government Measures
The attacks have led to tense protests in the area, with villagers demanding stronger protection and quicker response systems. In response, the state government has deployed around 200 cages, initiated satellite monitoring, and stepped up patrols in forest-bordering settlements. Awareness drives have also begun to help residents identify warning signs of wildlife presence.
Human-Animal Conflict Debate
The incident has reopened discussions on habitat pressure and wildlife movement patterns. Experts point out that rapid urbanization, shrinking forest areas, and increasing encroachments often force wild animals into human-dominated spaces, heightening risks for both humans and animals.