What Caused the Leopard's Rampage in Rajasthan's Bhilwara?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Leopard attacks show increasing human-animal conflicts.
- Community panic can escalate during wildlife encounters.
- Immediate medical response is crucial for injured victims.
- Wildlife management strategies need to be reinforced.
- Collaboration between authorities is essential for public safety.
Jaipur, June 2 (NationPress) A leopard unleashed chaos in villages surrounding Rajasthan's Bhilwara on Monday, attacking at least eight individuals, including a child and two women, resulting in serious injuries for many, officials reported.
The incidents, spanning across Nuwalia and neighboring villages, have instilled fear within the community.
Currently, five of the injured victims are receiving medical care.
The leopard's initial assault occurred in Nuwalia village, where it attacked a child tending goats in the fields, inflicting a significant wound on the child's back. Hearing the child's cries, nearby family members rushed to help and managed to scare off the leopard using stones and sticks. The child was subsequently transported to the hospital in shock.
Shortly thereafter, the leopard continued its 2-km path of destruction, injuring seven more villagers, including an elderly man who lost an eye due to the attack.
A particularly brutal incident happened around 2 p.m., approximately 1.5 km from the first attack, when the leopard invaded a home and assaulted two women, identified as Liladevi and Premdevi. One of the women was reportedly struck from behind on the head, resulting in severe injuries. Initial reports suggested that one woman was 'beheaded,' but officials later clarified that she sustained critical head injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Daulatgarh Primary Health Centre (PHC).
Shortly after, the leopard attacked again in Khera village of Manaba, nearly a kilometer away, injuring three additional people. The animal was last spotted entering the residence of a local named Prem Balai to take refuge.
A combined team from the Asind police and Forest Department quickly responded to the situation. Assistant Forest Ranger Nandlal Gurjar mentioned that a cage has been set up to capture the leopard.
Local resident Pokhar Gurjar noted that the granite debris scattered throughout Daulatgarh may have provided the leopard with a temporary hiding spot. While the animal had previously targeted goats, this marks the first instance of such extensive attacks on humans.