Farmer Killed in Suspected Leopard Attack Near Udaipur's Sajjangarh Sanctuary
A tragic incident unfolded late Friday night in Udaipur, where a 42-year-old farmer lost his life in a suspected leopard attack. The attack occurred in Upli Badi village, which falls under the Badi panchayat and is situated in close proximity to the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
Discovery of the Victim
The deceased has been identified as Babulal Gameti, a local resident aged 42. According to officials and villagers, Gameti had ventured near a well on Friday night. The grim discovery was made on Saturday morning when another villager arrived at the well to start the water motor.
The villager noticed blood scattered around the well area, immediately raising suspicions of foul play. Following the blood trail, he found Gameti's body lying in a field approximately 500 meters away from the well. The victim's condition was severe, with one leg severed, and his clothes were discovered near the well where the attack likely began.
Official Response and Investigation
Upon receiving the information, Badgaon Station House Officer Kitab Devi, along with forest officials and staff, rushed to the scene. Teams from the forest department and Badgaon police station worked together to transport the body to MB Hospital in Udaipur for a postmortem examination.
Divisional Forest Officer Ajay Chittauda provided initial insights into the incident. "Prima facie, this appears to be a kill by a leopard. There are teeth marks on the victim's neck. However, the complete picture will be clear only after the postmortem," he stated.
Chittauda added that the attack occurred about 2 kilometers behind the Sajjangarh Sanctuary, suggesting that the leopard may have strayed from the protected area. "Cages have been placed at all possible locations, and a team of forest workers is continuously searching to capture the leopard," he assured, highlighting ongoing efforts to mitigate further risks.
Community Impact and Safety Measures
This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising concerns about human-wildlife conflict in regions bordering sanctuaries. The forest department's proactive measures, including the deployment of cages and search teams, aim to prevent similar tragedies.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution, especially during nighttime hours, and to report any wildlife sightings immediately. The postmortem results are awaited to confirm the exact cause of death and provide more details on the predator involved.
