A tragic incident in Pune district, Maharashtra, has left a community reeling after a leopard attacked and killed a five-year-old girl. This devastating event has spurred local residents to urgently call for more robust preventive measures to avert future tragedies.
The harrowing incident unfolded on Sunday, October 12, when the young victim, Shivanya Shailesh Bombe, was bravely carrying water to her grandfather. He was working at the family farm, located perilously close to their home in Pimparkhed village, Shirur tehsil.
Responding swiftly to the crisis, forest officials successfully captured a leopard from the vicinity on Monday, October 13.
According to an official from the Junnar forest division, “Shivanya’s family farm is situated near their residence. Her grandfather had requested her to bring him water. As she made her way, a leopard, hidden in the surrounding fields, suddenly ambushed her. It seized her by the neck and dragged her into the dense vegetation of the farm.”
Individuals working nearby witnessed the attack and immediately rushed to chase the leopard away. The big cat, startled by their approach, released the child and fled. Shivanya, having sustained severe neck injuries, was quickly transported to a hospital, but tragically, she succumbed to her wounds.
This heartbreaking event has ignited profound anger and concern among the local populace. Residents highlighted a disturbing trend of leopard attacks in the area, emphasizing the critical need for immediate and effective strategies to prevent further loss of life. In the aftermath, the Forest Department deployed ten cages across the region, intensifying their efforts to locate and capture the animal responsible. Their diligence paid off, leading to the capture of a leopard on Monday, October 13.