How did a leopard maul a 30-year-old pilgrim to death on Karnataka hill shrine?
Synopsis
A 30-year-old man lost his life after a leopard attack during a pilgrimage in Karnataka. This shocking incident raises serious concerns about safety for the thousands who undertake the annual journey to Male Mahadeshwara Hill. As local residents express anger, authorities face scrutiny over wildlife management in the area.
Key Takeaways
A leopard attack led to the death of a 30-year-old man during a pilgrimage.
The incident occurred in the Talubetta forest area of Karnataka.
Local residents are expressing anger over safety measures for pilgrims.
Authorities are investigating the incident and past leopard sightings.
Wildlife management is crucial for the safety of both people and animals.
Chamarajanagara (Karnataka), Jan 21 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred during a pilgrimage to Male Mahadeshwara Hill when a leopard attacked and killed a 30-year-old man in the Talubetta forest region of Karnataka. This alarming event was reported on Wednesday, raising serious concerns as numerous devotees rely on this route for their annual padyatra.
The deceased has been identified as Praveen, who was hiking with a group of four friends. They commenced their journey on foot from Cheeranahalli village in Mandya district. The attack happened late at night as they were walking along the roadside close to the Male Mahadeshwara Hill.
Initial reports suggest that the group saw the leopard sitting on a roadside retaining wall, which caused panic among them. While the others fled in various directions, Praveen went missing. His friends later found bloodstains at the last known location and notified authorities, as he could not be located in the vicinity.
On Wednesday morning, a search operation was initiated by the forest department and police. Praveen's body was eventually discovered in a gorge within the forest. Officials confirmed that the leopard had severely mauled him, inflicting critical injuries to his neck, chest, and head, and had dragged his body nearly one kilometer into the woods.
Upon locating the body, the leopard was still present and feeding on the remains. The forest staff and police encountered difficulties in scaring the animal away due to the lack of crackers or firearms, hindering the retrieval of the body. The process of extracting the body from the dense terrain was both slow and challenging.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Praveen was attacked after he fell while attempting to escape. A case has been filed, and further inquiries are ongoing.
Every year, millions of pilgrims undertake the journey to Male Mahadeshwara Hill on foot, traversing through extensive forest areas.
Local residents have expressed outrage concerning the incident, accusing forest officials of negligence, claiming that there had been previous reports of leopard sightings in the region.
A similar incident occurred on November 20 last year when a five-year-old girl named Sanvi was attacked and carried away by a leopard while playing near a shed on an arecanut farm in Madure village around 6 p.m. Her father, Basavaraj, witnessed the attack and attempted to chase the animal but was unsuccessful in saving her.
The family had migrated from Kammatgiri in Hungund taluk of Bagalkot district, over 350 kilometers away, seeking work in Tarikere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district.
Point of View
Especially in areas frequented by large numbers of pilgrims. As we strive to ensure the safety of our citizens, it is crucial to address the concerns raised by local communities and enhance protective measures for both wildlife and people.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the leopard attack?
A 30-year-old pilgrim named Praveen was attacked by a leopard while walking with friends near Male Mahadeshwara Hill in Karnataka.
Where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred in the Talubetta forest area of Chamarajanagara district, Karnataka.
Have there been similar incidents in the area?
Yes, there was a prior incident where a five-year-old girl was attacked by a leopard in Madure village.
What measures are being taken by authorities?
Authorities have launched a search operation and are investigating the incident while addressing local concerns.
How can pilgrims stay safe during their journeys?
Pilgrims are advised to travel in groups and remain vigilant, especially in areas known for wildlife activity.
