Pune: Leopard Ambushes Farmer Riding Motorcycle; District Administration on Alert
Junnar, 13th November 2025: Fear has once again gripped villagers in Junnar taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra after a leopard attacked a farmer riding his motorcycle near Otur on the Kalyan Nagar Highway. The incident, captured on CCTV, shows the leopard pouncing on the moving two-wheeler as the rider carried a sack of fertilizer, leaving residents shocked and anxious.
The injured farmer, identified as Sitaram Nilesh Doke, lost control of his vehicle during the sudden attack and sustained serious injuries. He is currently undergoing treatment at the Alephata Primary Health Centre. The leopard was later seen retreating toward the nearby forest area, as revealed in the CCTV footage.
Local communities say such incidents have become alarmingly frequent in recent months, with leopards often spotted near homes, farms, and even along highways. Villagers are increasingly afraid to step out after dark, citing a rise in attacks that have already claimed several lives in and around Junnar and Shirur.
Forest officials have confirmed a spike in leopard movement along the Kalyan Nagar Highway, warning that the animals often cross busy roads at night. Some have even been killed in vehicle collisions, yet their incursions into human habitats continue unabated.
Responding to the escalating crisis, District Collector Jitendra Dudi recently chaired a high-level meeting with forest department officials to formulate stricter control measures. The collector ordered the immediate setup of a dedicated control room and announced a toll-free helpline (18003033) for residents to report leopard sightings or emergencies.
To improve monitoring, authorities have begun using AI-based tracking systems, solar-powered night drones, camera traps, and sound alert mechanisms in high-risk zones. The forest department currently operates 262 leopard cages but will soon procure 700 additional cages through external agencies to expand rescue operations.
The administration has also directed the creation of village-level co-monitoring committees involving local residents, forest volunteers, and NGOs. These groups will assist in awareness drives, emergency coordination, and data collection through drone surveys to map leopard movement and identify vulnerable areas.
District Collector Dudi has also asked the Superintendent of Police to convene a special ‘Tiger Cell’ meeting to strengthen coordination between departments and ensure swift responses to emergencies.
Since October 12, 2025, a total of 17 leopards have been successfully captured alive from the Junnar and Shirur regions. Despite these ongoing efforts, leopard attacks continue to surface, highlighting the urgent need for long-term strategies to balance wildlife conservation with human safety.
