Mysuru Forest Officials Capture Leopard After Fatal Pilgrim Attack at MM Hills
In a significant wildlife operation, forest officials in Mysuru successfully tranquillised and captured a leopard that killed a pilgrim at MM Hills late on Thursday night. The incident, which occurred earlier in the week, prompted an intensive response from authorities to ensure public safety and relocate the dangerous animal.
Details of the Fatal Incident and Immediate Response
The tragic attack took place on January 21 at approximately 5:45 AM, when a leopard ambushed Praveen, a 35-year-old resident of Chiranahalli village in Mandya district. Praveen was among nearly 100 devotees walking from Thaalabetta to MM Hills within the Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Division. The leopard dragged him into the forest, and his body was later discovered about 100 metres from the road, with the animal still in the vicinity.
Forest personnel quickly responded by firing a shot into the air to scare the leopard away and recover the body. Following this, the forest department cordoned off the area and launched a comprehensive combing operation to track the big cat. Chief Conservator of Forests (Chamarajanagar circle) M Malathi Priya confirmed to TOI that the leopard was tranquillised and captured by a team around 8:30 PM on Thursday.
Intensive Operation and Capture of the Leopard
A massive team of 40 officers from the Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Division, along with the Mysuru Leopard Task Force, drone operators, and veterinarians, was deployed for the operation. On the night of January 21, around 9 PM, the leopard was spotted near the road by a local named Rangaswami Vaddu. Authorities set up two traps and camera traps for monitoring purposes.
The combing operation resumed early on January 22, and the leopard was sighted again around 5:30 AM. Using a drone, officials tracked the animal, capturing photos and videos to aid in the hunt. The operation continued throughout the day, and at approximately 8:30 PM, the leopard was sighted at the same location. The veterinary team then tranquillised and captured the animal, ensuring it was safely secured.
Verification and Relocation Efforts
Forest officials matched the leopard's body markings with drone images and verified them with experts at the Tiger Cell in Bengaluru. These experts confirmed that the captured leopard was indeed the same animal responsible for Praveen's death. Following the capture, the big cat was relocated to the Koorgahalli Rescue Centre in Mysuru during the night, where it will be monitored and cared for.
In a statement, the Chief Conservator of Forests noted that leopard attacks on humans are rare and emphasized that steps are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Acting on the forest department's request, the additional deputy commissioner of Chamarajanagar issued an order banning foot travel and two-wheeler access from Thaalabetta to MM Hills until midnight on January 24, to enhance safety measures in the area.
This incident highlights the challenges of human-wildlife conflict in regions like Mysuru and underscores the importance of swift and coordinated responses from forest authorities to protect both human lives and wildlife.
