Pune: 25 Leopards Captured in Shirur Taluka as Forest Dept Steps Up Action
Shirur, 11th December 2025: The Forest Department has intensified leopard-trapping operations across Shirur taluka following the death of 13-year-old Rohan Bombe in a leopard attack last month. Since the incident, officials have captured 25 leopards from various locations, signalling a strong response to the escalating human–wildlife conflict.
On Wednesday, two more leopards were trapped—one in Chandoh and another in Pimparkhed. A nine-year-old male leopard was captured from the farm of Datta Govind Wadane in Chandoh and shifted to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre. Another male, aged around seven years, was trapped near the brick kiln of Santosh Sonawane in Pimparkhed and moved to the same facility, taluka forest officer Nilkanth Gawhane said.
The intensified action follows multiple sightings and attacks that have caused widespread anxiety among villagers. Last month, three people were killed in leopard-related incidents, including Rohan Bombe, whose death heightened public concern and prompted urgent intervention.
Recent captures include:
– A leopard trapped last Saturday on the farm of Gangaram Meche at Takli Haji.
– A leopard found dead at Lakhewadi last week.
– A three- to four-year-old leopard caged in the Ranjangaon Industrial Area after sightings alarmed workers.
– A female leopard, also around three to four years old, trapped near Kawthe Yemai in Ravdevadi.
– A five-year-old male captured at Pimparkhed.
All captured leopards have been transferred to the Manikdoh rescue centre.
In Fakate village, a leopard that had fallen into a well was also safely rescued and relocated.
With leopard movement increasing near farms, industrial zones and residential pockets, the Forest Department has stepped up cage deployment and night patrolling. Officials said the intensified operation will continue until the threat to human life significantly decreases.
