Has a Leopard's Attack Claimed a Devotee's Life at K'taka Hill Shrine?
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Synopsis
In a tragic incident at Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Karnataka, a leopard fatally attacked a devotee named Praveen during a pilgrimage. The Forest Department has since captured the leopard, raising concerns over safety during the annual padyatra. This shocking event highlights the risks faced by many pilgrims and has prompted authorities to enforce stricter safety regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Leopard captured following the attack on a devotee.
- Tragic incident raises safety concerns for pilgrims.
- Authorities have implemented new safety measures.
- Local residents demand action against negligence from officials.
- Ongoing investigations to prevent future wildlife incidents.
Bengaluru, Jan 24 (NationPress) The Forest Department has successfully apprehended the leopard responsible for the fatal attack on a devotee at Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, officials announced on Saturday. The operation was executed utilizing drones and cages in response to the heartbreaking death of a devotee named Praveen.
The leopard was captured late Thursday night in the foothill vicinity of the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. The operation commenced following the tragic demise of Praveen, who was a resident of Cheeranahalli village in Mandya district.
The incident was brought to light on Wednesday when a pilgrimage to Male Mahadeshwara Hill ended in disaster, after the leopard attacked and killed the young man in the Talubetta forest area.
This tragic occurrence has raised alarms, as numerous devotees traverse the same path during the annual padyatra.
The victim, identified as the 30-year-old Praveen, was accompanied by four friends. The group had embarked on their journey on foot from Cheeranahalli village. The attack took place late at night while they were walking along the roadside near Male Mahadeshwara Hill.
Initial investigations indicate that Praveen was attacked after he stumbled while attempting to flee. A case has been registered, and further inquiries are underway.
On Wednesday morning, officials from the Forest Department and police initiated a search operation. Praveen’s body was later discovered in a gorge within the forest. Reports indicate that the leopard had severely mauled him, causing critical injuries to his neck, chest, and head, and had dragged the body nearly one kilometer into the forest.
When the body was found, the leopard was still present, consuming the remains. Due to the absence of crackers or firearms, forest staff and police faced challenges in scaring the animal away before recovering the body. The operation to retrieve the body from the dense terrain proved to be slow and strenuous.
Each year, countless devotees make a pilgrimage to Male Mahadeshwara Hill on foot, navigating through extensive forest regions. Nighttime foot pilgrimages have already been prohibited, and pilgrims are now instructed to utilize authorized transport services during daylight.
Local residents have voiced their outrage regarding the incident, alleging negligence on the part of forest officials, claiming that previous sightings of leopard movement in the area had been reported.
Following the tragic death of the devotee, authorities have instituted a ban on trekking from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at Sri Kshetra Male Mahadeshwara Betta. A.E. Raghu, Secretary of the Sri Male Mahadeshwara Kshetra Development Authority, has appealed for the cooperation of devotees and urged them to travel in groups. This restriction has been implemented to ensure the safety of all pilgrims.
Point of View
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in India. While the Forest Department's rapid response is commendable, it also highlights the need for greater awareness and precaution among pilgrims. Authorities must ensure safety measures are in place to protect both devotees and wildlife.
NationPress
24/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Male Mahadeshwara Hills?
A leopard fatally attacked a devotee named Praveen during a pilgrimage.
How did the Forest Department respond?
They captured the leopard using drones and cages following the attack.
What safety measures are being implemented?
Authorities have banned nighttime trekking and advised pilgrims to travel in groups.
Are there concerns about wildlife safety?
Yes, local residents have expressed concerns about leopard sightings in the area.
What is being done to prevent future incidents?
The Forest Department is investigating the attack and enforcing stricter regulations for pilgrimages.
