Man-eating leopard that killed 3 finally captured

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

A leopard that terrorized Vaijapur taluka and claimed three lives was finally captured by the Forest Department on Wednesday at around 3 pm at Shivur. The operation, carried out near the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-Nashik district border, brought immense relief to local residents.

For months, the predator had instilled fear across Shivur, Loni, Kavitkheda, Talwada, Valan, and Jiri, attacking villagers and livestock. Its victims included Mahesh Akhade (9) from Kavitkheda, Rutuja Kardak (3) from Valan, and Zhumbarbai Mandale (65) from Jiri. The leopard also injured four-year-old Shruti Namdev Aynar in Talwada and killed several domestic animals. Fear gripped the region, forcing villagers to stay indoors, disrupting daily life and farming. Repeated appeals from locals led to intensified efforts by the Forest Department. A trap was placed at Bolthan, Jiri, and on Wednesday afternoon, the leopard was caught while searching for meat.

Concerns over another leopard

While the capture has brought relief, another leopard has been sighted in Balhegaon, raising fresh concerns among residents. Authorities are urged to act swiftly to prevent further attacks.

— Dnyaneshwar Suryavanshi, Farmer, Shivur

Photo Caption: The captured leopard in a cage at Bolthan, Jiri.