Pune, 9 Oct: A shocking leopard attack has left the residents of Junnar, Pune, in fear as the predator claimed the life of a 40-year-old woman. The attack marks the seventh death since March due to leopard encounters in the area, according to forest officials. A massive search operation is underway to locate and capture the leopard responsible.

The victim, Sujata Dhere (aged 40), was attacked early in the morning while she was working in a soybean field near her sugarcane farm in the village of Pimpiri-Pendhar. The leopard, which had been hiding nearby, ambushed her around 6 a.m. and dragged her approximately 100 feet before inflicting fatal injuries. Despite efforts to save her, Sujata Dhere succumbed to her wounds. Police and forest officials have launched an investigation, and her body has been sent for post-mortem examination.

The Forest Department has deployed extensive resources to catch the leopard, including 40 cages and 50 camera traps installed in the surrounding areas. In addition, thermal drones are being used to track the animal. Senior officials from the Junnar Forest Division have assured residents that they are taking all necessary steps to ensure public safety. “We are conducting large-scale search operations and increasing awareness among locals,” stated a forest official. (Pune News),

Assistant Conservator of Forests, Smita Rajhans, noted that this year marks the highest number of leopard attack fatalities in the region since 2002. The last time such a high death toll was recorded was in 2001, with 11 deaths from leopard attacks. Since March 2024, seven individuals have lost their lives in similar incidents. (Pune Latest News),

Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols as they continue their efforts to trap the leopard and prevent further incidents.