Leopard beaten to death by villagers in Bharatpur (Img: Internet)
Bharatpur: Tension spread across Sita village in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur after a leopard entered a house late Tuesday night, triggering panic among residents. Frightened villagers gathered in large numbers and attacked the animal with sticks and clubs, eventually beating it to death.
According to officials, chaos erupted after family members spotted the leopard inside the house and raised an alarm. Hearing the commotion, residents from nearby areas rushed to the scene.
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During the confrontation, villagers surrounded the leopard and repeatedly attacked it. The situation quickly escalated, and the animal died on the spot due to the assault.
Forest Department officials later stated that some villagers also attempted to burn the leopard’s carcass before authorities intervened.
A team from the Forest Department reached the village soon after receiving information about the incident and took custody of the leopard’s body. The carcass was later transported to Bharatpur for a post-mortem examination to be conducted by a panel of veterinarians.
Forest Ranger Harbhan Singh confirmed that the killing of the leopard falls under violations of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Officials said around 15 villagers have been identified in connection with the incident. A formal case is expected to be registered against those involved, while the department continues its investigation into the matter.
Authorities are also examining the sequence of events leading to the mob attack and the alleged attempt to burn the animal’s body.
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Residents claimed leopard movement had been noticed in the area for nearly two weeks before the incident. Villagers alleged they had repeatedly informed the Forest Department about the animal’s presence and requested action to capture it.
According to locals, fear among residents had been growing steadily due to repeated sightings. During the incident, a villager identified as Pyar Singh Gurjar was reportedly injured after being attacked by the leopard, further intensifying panic in the village.
The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over increasing human-wildlife conflict in several parts of Rajasthan.
