Fatally injured leopard found near forest in central India
by Bhagyashree BarmanA leopard found in an injured condition in central India’s Madhya Pradesh, has died while being transported for medical treatment.
The incident took place near Omkareshwar in Khandwa district on September 2.
Visuals showed a leopard lying helplessly in a green field, surrounded by villagers. The animal is visibly injured, with labored breathing and limited movement, especially in its lower body. A few villagers stand nearby, while others watch from a distance, anxious yet uncertain about how to help.
According to reports, the leopard, discovered in a field between the villages of Kothi and Dhawadiya, was reported by a local farmer who noticed the animal struggling to move. The sighting caused panic among the villagers, who had observed the leopard’s presence in the area for the past four to five days.
The forest department’s rescue team, along with a female veterinary officer, arrived promptly after receiving the information. The officer assessed the leopard’s condition and advised immediate transportation to a hospital. A cage was brought in, and the forest department team carefully placed the leopard inside for its journey to Indore for treatment. However, despite their efforts, the leopard succumbed to its injuries on the way.
Deputy Ranger Anand Ram Khandekar confirmed that the leopard was severely injured and unable to move, particularly due to the extensive damage to its back and waist. Ranger Ravindra Seth, who was involved in the rescue operation, stated that the leopard’s condition was so critical that tranquilization was unnecessary. The exact cause of death will be determined by a post-mortem report.
The incident has highlighted concerns about the forest department’s response, as villagers had reported the leopard’s movements and even a recent goat attack in the area, but no action was taken in time to prevent the tragedy.