Leopard trapped in same Junnar location 24 hours after child was killed; villagers demand long-term measures from forest dept

Pune: The death of an eight-year-old boy in a leopard attack in Pargaon village of Junnar tehsil on Monday triggered widespread anger among residents, who accused forest officials and political representatives of failing to take effective, on-ground measures to prevent repeated fatal encounters between humans and big cats.

On Tuesday evening, Junnar division forest officials trapped a male leopard from the same locality in Pargaon village, where Rohan Babu Kapre (8) was mauled to death a day prior.


Assistant conservator of forests Smita Rajhans told TOI that the animal is estimated to be five to six years old. "We had placed the cage in the same area where the boy was attacked. The animal, in search of food, we believe, returned to the location and got trapped on Tuesday evening," she said.

Forest officials have collected pugmarks from the site of the incident and will match them with those of the captured leopard to scientifically establish whether it was the same animal involved in the fatal attack. "We suspect that we have trapped the same leopard. However, confirmation through scientific matching of pugmarks will be available by Wednesday," added Rajhans.

Another senior forest official said, "In such cases, the animal tends to revisit the same spot. Since the trap was placed there, we are confident that the leopard involved has been captured."

However, villagers said this is not enough. They pointed out that the child was attacked near the settlement, once again highlighting the persistent and unresolved problem of human–leopard conflict in Junnar forest division, which has witnessed four such incidents in the last three months. As per the residents, long-term preventive steps remain absent.

"After every attack, leopards are captured, and then everything goes quiet until the next incident," said a Pargaon resident. "Our children walk to school, people go to farms, and elderly people move around in fear every day. Capturing animals alone is not a solution."

Villagers alleged that despite repeated representations, the forest department failed to deploy adequate preventive infrastructure such as early-warning systems, surveillance technology, and regular patrolling in vulnerable pockets.

They demanded large-scale deployment of artificial intelligence (AI)-based monitoring systems, including thermal cameras, motion sensors, and real-time alert mechanisms to warn villagers of leopard movement.

Villagers also sought intensified trapping operations, arguing that the current measures have not reduced the threat. "If leopards are repeatedly entering human habitations, they must be caught in larger numbers and relocated. Human life cannot be compromised," said Narendra Dhome, sarpanch of Pimparkhed village.

Forest officials, however, maintained that sustained efforts are underway to manage the situation. Senior officials said that 68 leopards were captured across the Junnar forest division over the past few months as part of ongoing mitigation measures. They added that rescue teams remain on high alert and that awareness drives are being conducted in villages located along forest fringes.

"We are taking all possible steps within established protocols," said Rajhans, adding, "Captures are carried out based on ground assessment, and our teams are monitoring leopard movement continuously. We have also got permission from higher authorities to tranquilise leopards if they are not captured. Our team, including a veterinary doctor, is on standby mode in the village."

Rajhans categorically said only if the team fails to capture or tranquilise the animal during the operation will killing be considered. "However, as per protocol, we have to work hard to capture the animal first. This will remain our policy," she said.

Experts pointed out that frequent captures alone may not address root causes of conflict, such as habitat fragmentation, shrinking prey base, and expanding human settlements near forest areas. "Conservationists have long advocated a combination of scientific interventions, habitat management, community participation, and technology-driven monitoring to reduce encounters. These efforts need to work out on the ground at a substantial level. Then only we would be able to see the change in the situation," said a biologist, choosing anonymity.

The incident also renewed criticism of political leadership, with villagers alleging that announcements of funds and schemes have not translated into tangible action at the village level. "Leaders come, promise protection and compensation, and leave. Nothing changes on the ground," said Kiran Gajare, a resident of Jambut village in Shirur tehsil.