Pune: Leopard Climbs Tree Near Pavana Lake, Injures Six Before Rescue
Pune, 7th March 2025: A three-year-old leopard, injured and distressed after a chaotic encounter with villagers, was rescued near the Pavana camping site in Maval tehsil on Friday morning. The rescue operation, conducted by the Maharashtra Forest Department and RESQ Charitable Trust, came after the wildcat injured six people in self-defence.
According to officials, the leopard was initially spotted resting on a tree when a crowd of around 100 villagers, accompanied by dogs, gathered below. Alarmed by the commotion, the leopard descended and, in its attempt to escape, ended up attacking several dogs and villagers who tried to intervene.
“The leopard was not on the offensive—it was startled by the crowd and reacted out of fear,” said Mahadev Mohite, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pune Division. “Instead of alerting authorities immediately, the villagers attempted to capture the animal using ropes and nets, which led to injuries on both sides.”
The situation spiraled out of control when some villagers restrained the panicked leopard with ropes, unintentionally restricting its blood circulation. In the process, six people sustained injuries, identified as Gyaneshwar Tripathi Rajiwade, Bhaktishwar Rajiwade, Pravin Rajiwade, Balu Shinde, and Gafur Sheikh.
A rescue team comprising forest officials and members of RESQ Charitable Trust reached the spot and carefully secured the leopard in a transport cage. The animal was then taken to the Wildlife Transit Treatment Centre in Bavdhan, where it received medical attention.
Neha Panchamiya, Founder and President of RESQ Charitable Trust, provided an update on the leopard’s condition, stating, “The animal is stable and responding well to treatment. There are minor injuries, but no major health risks. Once fully recovered, she will be rehabilitated and released back into the wild.”
Following the incident, the Forest Department has booked multiple villagers under Sections 9, 39, and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Since the leopard is a Schedule I protected species, interfering with its natural movement, harassing it, or attempting to capture it without authorization is a punishable offence.
Officials have strongly condemned the public’s actions, emphasizing the need for responsible behavior around wildlife.
“In such situations, people should immediately report to the forest authorities rather than taking matters into their own hands,” said Mangesh Tatte Patil, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Pune Division. “We will investigate and take action against those who instigated this illegal capture.”
The Pavana camping site, a popular getaway for tourists from Pune and Mumbai, was briefly thrown into panic after the incident. Officials have issued warnings to locals and visitors about the dangers of human-wildlife conflict and urged people to avoid taking photos and videos instead of prioritizing safety.
“The public must understand that wild animals do not attack unless provoked or threatened,” said an official from the rescue team. “Such reckless behavior not only endangers people but also stresses the animal, often leading to tragic consequences.”
