Leopard Attack Panic Grips Pilgrims at Male Mahadeshwara Hills Temple, Officials Deny Incident
Panic briefly spread among a group of pilgrims trekking to the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Temple on Tuesday after a minor boy claimed he was attacked by a leopard on the forest route. However, forest and police officials have firmly denied that any leopard attack occurred, suggesting the injury was likely caused by bushes along the path.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
According to available information, the incident took place around 11:15 AM near the seventh curve from Thaalabetta, the foothill point where devotees begin their ascent to the hill shrine. The boy, identified as Shreyas from Channapatna taluk in Ramanagar district, was trekking with three women when he reportedly screamed and claimed that a leopard had attempted to attack him. He sustained an injury to his ear during the episode.
Shreyas was promptly taken to the MM Hills Primary Health Centre for treatment. After receiving medical attention, he proceeded to have darshan at the temple before returning home with his family. This event has heightened alertness among devotees and authorities, coming barely three weeks after a pilgrim was killed in a leopard attack within the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
Official Statements and Investigation
MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary Deputy Conservator of Forests B Bhaskar stated that there was no evidence to support an animal attack. He explained that forest staff rushed to the location immediately after receiving the alert and conducted a thorough scan of the area. While a leopard had been spotted in the vicinity earlier, Bhaskar emphasized that the boy's injury could have been caused by a thorny bush as he passed through the forest stretch.
Chamarajanagar Superintendent of Police M Muththuraj also rejected the claim of a leopard attack. He acknowledged that the route passes through forest areas where leopards are present but noted that precautions have been strengthened following the January death of a pilgrim. Muththuraj assured that safety measures are in place to protect trekkers.
Background: Previous Leopard Attack and Ongoing Concerns
This incident raises questions about the January fatal attack, where a leopard killed 31-year-old Praveen from Mandya. Two days after the tragedy, officials trapped a leopard that was seen on camera, but sources indicate that Forensic Science Laboratory reports did not provide conclusive evidence that the captured animal was the killer big cat. Praveen was among 100 pilgrims when he was dragged deep into the forest by a leopard and later found dead.
Though foresters claimed they trapped the leopard caught on camera, doubts persist. DCF Bhaskar confirmed that the lab findings were inconclusive but asserted that the leopard did not consume human flesh. This has led to ongoing speculation about whether the killer leopard is still on the prowl, adding to the tension in the region.
The combination of recent events underscores the challenges of balancing pilgrimage activities with wildlife conservation in forested areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of all visitors while maintaining ecological integrity.
