SIT probe ordered into death of leopard in Barwani

Barwani: The conservator of forests, Khandwa circle, has ordered a probe by special investigation team (SIT) into death of a male leopard in Sendhwa forest division of Barwani district, where the animal had injured five villagers before dying. A video showing the leopard being beaten, which was obtained by the forest team, was found to be from Gujarat.Conservator of forests Basu Kanojia told TOI, "To ensure a comprehensive and multi-angle investigation, an SIT has been constituted to examine all aspects of the case and avoid missing any critical details in the incident that occurred on March 25 in Junapani village of Warla forest range of Barwani district."Kanojia said that so far, the findings of local forest officials have not shown any contradictions and remain consistent. Preliminary inquiry suggests that the leopard attacked five individuals, injuring them, and later died after falling from a tree it climbed during the incident.She clarified that no evidence of the animal being beaten has emerged during the inquiry. The postmortem report also did not indicate any external injury marks consistent with assault. Additionally, no food or water was found in the leopard's stomach, and the final report will be submitted once all forensic findings, including viscera report, are available.Addressing a viral video purportedly showing the leopard being beaten, Kanojia said the footage has been verified and found to be unrelated to the incident. "The video does not pertain to this location and has been traced to Gujarat," she said.Officials also noted that one of its paws had an old injury, which may have affected its movement or behaviour.Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sendhwa IS Gadria told TOI that another leopard was sighted in the area on the same day, prompting officials to set up a cage. However, the animal reportedly moved nearly 7 km away and crossed into Maharashtra, he added.