Pune: Homicide Suspected After Infant’s Remains Found in Daund Sugarcane Field

Daund, 2nd May 2025: Authorities are probing a possible homicide after the partial remains of an 11-month-old infant were discovered in a sugarcane field in Daund taluka, close to the area where the child reportedly vanished two days ago. The baby had been sleeping next to her mother when she allegedly saw a leopard snatch the child in the early hours of Wednesday.

On Friday morning, a search team comprising forest officials and local villagers located what appeared to be a part of a baby’s skull, some clothing, and jewelry scattered in the dense cane fields. However, officials have not confirmed the cause of death, as there is no conclusive evidence yet pointing to a leopard attack.

“At this point, we are treating it as a suspected homicide. The investigation is ongoing, and we are keeping all possibilities open,” said Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Pankaj Deshmukh. He noted that a similar case occurred in the region last year, which adds to the complexity of the current investigation.

Assistant Conservator of Forests Deepak Pawar added, “We have deployed camera traps and four cages around the area. Night patrols will continue. While the police are investigating from their end, we are also working to determine if there is any wildlife involvement.”

According to the mother’s account, the incident took place around 5 a.m. on Wednesday while she was resting with her baby and livestock outside their temporary shelter in Dahitane village. She said she saw a leopard briefly and screamed for help, but the animal had already disappeared with the child.

Despite extensive ground searches involving over 100 personnel, including forest officials, police, and local volunteers, no blood trails, pugmarks, or other signs consistent with a leopard attack have been found near the site.

Forest officers have, however, confirmed a recent livestock kill about 600 meters away, where blood traces were visible. “If a leopard is captured, we will conduct swab testing to look for biological traces linking it to either the child or the animal kill,” said an official. He also mentioned plans to deploy thermal drones for nighttime surveillance due to known leopard presence in the area.

The child’s family, part of a nomadic shepherd community, had been temporarily residing in the village for just two or three days prior to the incident.