Leopard Brutally Attacked by Mob Including MLA During Failed Rescue Operation in Jalgaon
A distressing incident unfolded in Jalgaon district on Sunday morning when a two-year-old female leopard, spotted near a government guesthouse in Muktai Nagar, was violently thrashed with wooden sticks and stumps by a crowd of onlookers. Shockingly, the group included local Shiv Sena MLA Chandrakant Patil, who was present at the guesthouse for a meeting. The attack occurred after forest department rescuers had darted the animal with a tranquilizer during a tense two-hour rescue operation.
Panic Erupts as Tranquilizer Fails to Fully Sedate Leopard
The incident began around 10 am when the leopard was sighted in the central part of Muktai Nagar, close to the bus stand and state public works department offices. News spread rapidly, drawing a large and noisy crowd that overwhelmed forest and police personnel who had arrived on the scene. As a precaution, nearby public places were evacuated to prevent any untoward incidents.
After nearly one-and-a-half hours, forest teams managed to tranquilize the leopard using a dart gun. However, the sedative did not take full effect immediately. Range forest officer Krupali Shinde explained that it typically takes around 15 minutes for the tranquilizer to work completely. "The leopard was finally secured and safely placed in a cage once it became completely unconscious," she stated.
Crowd Turns Violent as Leopard Shows Signs of Movement
As the crowd moved closer, assuming the leopard was unconscious, the partially sedated animal suddenly sprang into motion when people encroached into its space, sparking panic. In response, some individuals, including MLA Chandrakant Patil, picked up sticks and wooden stumps and began thrashing the leopard, claiming self-defense. Forest officials had to intervene to rescue the animal from the mob.
A medical examination later confirmed that the leopard sustained no internal injuries and is in stable condition. It has been kept on the premises of the range forest office in Muktai Nagar, with further decisions pending discussions with senior officials.
Forest Department Launches Investigation into the Incident
Deputy conservator of forests for Jalgaon district, Ram Dhotre, revealed that instructions have been given to the assistant conservator of forests to submit a detailed report on the entire incident. "We will decide whether any offence can be registered against members of the public for reportedly using sticks on the leopard. We will also seek legal advice and consult senior officials," Dhotre said.
He added that the forest area near Muktai Nagar is approximately 4 kilometers from the town, suggesting the leopard may have entered the area in search of prey.
Political Criticism and Defense Emerge in Aftermath
Sitting MLC Eknath Khadse strongly criticized MLA Chandrakant Patil for allegedly beating the leopard with sticks. "Beating an animal that is nearly unconscious is an offence," Khadse asserted.
When contacted, Patil defended his actions, stating that the leopard remained conscious even 30-40 minutes after being darted, posing a risk if it moved into nearby localities. "We tried to move the leopard so that it would become unconscious. We did not beat the leopard. Moreover, there were only six members in the rescue team, which is inadequate," Patil claimed.
The incident has raised serious concerns about wildlife management and public safety protocols during animal rescue operations in urban areas.
