PIMPARKHED, MAHARASHTRA: Fear and anger gripped this rural community as two separate leopard attacks occurred within a devastating 24-hour period, pushing villagers to the brink and sparking intense protests against what they call government inaction.
Back-to-Back Attacks Create Panic
The crisis began when a 55-year-old woman, identified as Kamlabai Baban Gholap, became the first victim. The attack occurred around 7:30 PM on Tuesday while she was working in an open area near her home. The leopard dragged her approximately 50 feet before villagers managed to scare the big cat away through collective shouting and noise-making.
In a shocking repeat scenario, barely 24 hours later, another woman - 60-year-old Lila Baban Gholap - suffered a similar fate. The second attack happened under nearly identical circumstances, raising serious questions about the absence of preventive measures between the two incidents.
Villagers Take to the Streets
The consecutive attacks triggered massive protests as furious residents blocked the Ahmednagar-Junnar road, bringing traffic to a complete standstill. Protesters demanded:
- Immediate capture of the rogue leopard
- Enhanced forest department vigilance
- Adequate compensation for victims
- Permanent solution to human-animal conflict
Forest department officials, including Range Forest Officer Gajendra Shinde, rushed to the scene and attempted to pacify the agitated crowd with assurances of immediate action.
High-Risk Zone: A Pattern Emerges
Pimparkhed village falls within what wildlife experts classify as a high-conflict zone in Junnar division. This region has witnessed numerous similar incidents in recent years, highlighting the growing tension between human settlements and leopard habitats.
Both victims received initial treatment at a local primary health center before being transferred to a larger hospital in Junnar for more comprehensive care. Their current condition remains a primary concern for both family members and authorities.
Search Operations Intensify
Forest department teams have launched extensive search operations in the surrounding areas. The department has deployed:
- Specialized tracking teams
- Camera traps to monitor leopard movement
- Rapid response units on standby
- Community alert systems
This incident underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions to India's growing human-wildlife conflict, particularly in regions where urban expansion increasingly encroaches on traditional animal territories.
