Pune: A frightening incident occurred in Tambemala No. 2, Otur, Junnar taluka, when a leopard attacked and injured a woman riding her motorcycle home. The victim, Jyoti Rajesh Dhamale (52), was attacked at 9:45 PM on Friday, February 21.
After the attack, she fell from her motorcycle and sustained additional injuries, including a head injury. Local residents quickly took her to the Otur Primary Health Center for initial treatment. She was then transferred to Narayangaon Rural Hospital for further care. Due to the seriousness of her injuries, she was moved to Upazila Hospital in Manchar for a CT scan. Based on the scan results, doctors recommended that she be transferred to YCM Hospital in Pune, where she is currently receiving treatment.
In response to the attack, the Forest Department acted swiftly. Led by Forest Range Officer Lahu Thokal, a rescue team, including Forester S. M. Butte, Forest Guard V. A. Bele, Kishan Kedar, Phulchand Khandagale, and Sahebrao Pardhi, arrived at the scene. They have set up a leopard trap in the area and are conducting awareness campaigns to educate residents on safety precautions and self-defense against wildlife encounters.
This incident has raised alarms among local residents, emphasizing the growing issue of human-wildlife conflict in the area. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further incidents.