Pune: Alleged Leopard Attack in Junnar Proven False After Investigation

Junnar, 5th March 2025: Maharashtra Forest Department Officials have confirmed that the widely reported leopard attack on a farmer in Narayangaon, Junnar taluka, on 28th February 2025, did not actually occur. The incident, which had sparked local protests and highway blockades, was revealed to be a misunderstanding following a thorough investigation.

Kisan Lakshman Bhor, a resident of Hivare near Narayangaon, was initially thought to have been seriously injured by a leopard while working in his jowar field. The news quickly spread, causing panic in the area and leading to a two-hour protest on the Pune-Nashik highway.

However, a site inspection conducted on 1st March by the Otur Range Forest Officer and staff found no evidence of leopard presence. “We found no paw prints, droppings, or other indirect signs of a leopard in the vicinity,” stated a forest department official. The nature of Bhor’s injury – a single deep scratch on his left calf – was inconsistent with typical leopard attack patterns, which usually result in multiple claw marks.

The Junnar forest department has urged citizens to verify information before reacting to such reports. “This incident highlights the importance of fact-checking and not spreading unverified news, which can lead to unnecessary panic and disruption,” the official added.

The department also outlined ongoing efforts to mitigate human-leopard conflicts in the region, including the establishment of rapid response teams, installation of solar fencing, and distribution of safety equipment to shepherds. They emphasized the need for community cooperation in wildlife management efforts.