Leopard Attack in Gir Somnath Village Ends with Animal's Death
The serene winter night in Gangda village, located in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district, was shattered by desperate screams and the fierce roars of a leopard. This intense human-animal confrontation, which unfolded on Wednesday night, resulted in the death of the wild cat—a rare outcome in a region accustomed to such conflicts.
A Sudden and Violent Encounter
Around 10 pm, a leopard unexpectedly appeared near the residence of farmer Babu Vaja. The animal knocked over a parked two-wheeler, startling Vaja, who was sleeping on the veranda. "Before I could understand anything, the leopard attacked me on my forearm," Vaja recounted from his hospital bed in Una town. "I screamed for help, and my son Shadud woke up. The leopard left my arm and attacked him."
The father and son endured multiple injuries to their hands, head, and shoulders during the struggle. Shadud, aged 27, described how the leopard alternated between attacking him and his father. "In between, my father managed to get hold of weapons and attacked the leopard in self-defence," he explained.
Forest Department's Response and Legal Action
Forest officials confirmed that the leopard succumbed to injuries after being struck on the head with a spear and a billhook. The forest department has seized the weapons used in the incident and sent the leopard's body for a post-mortem examination.
L B Bharvad, the Range Forest Officer (RFO) of Jasadhar, stated that statements from the injured individuals will be recorded once their medical condition stabilizes. However, both Vaja and Shadud have been booked under the Wildlife Protection Act for killing a Schedule-I protected animal.
"An offence under the Wildlife Protection Act was registered," Bharvad said. "We will investigate whether they had the opportunity to flee or drive away the leopard instead of killing it. A detailed report will be submitted after the investigation."
Context of Human-Animal Conflict in Gir Somnath
Gir Somnath district, known for its dense populations of lions and leopards, frequently witnesses attacks by wild cats on humans. However, incidents where the animal is killed are uncommon. This event highlights the ongoing challenges of human-animal conflict in the region, where villagers often find themselves in precarious situations with wildlife.
The case raises important questions about self-defense versus wildlife protection laws, as authorities delve into the circumstances that led to the leopard's death. The investigation will determine if alternative measures could have been taken to avoid the fatal outcome.
