Leopard Leaps on Farmer Riding Motorcycle in Pune District — Terrifying Attack Captured on CCTV Sparks Fear Among Villagers
Leopard Leaps on Farmer Riding Motorcycle in Pune District — Terrifying Attack Captured on CCTV Sparks Fear Among Villagers
Amid growing concerns over frequent human–wildlife conflicts in Pune’s Junnar taluka, panic has once again spread through local communities after a leopard attacked a farmer riding a motorcycle near Otur on the Kalyan Nagar Highway. The shocking encounter, which occurred while the farmer was transporting a sack of fertilizer, was caught clearly on CCTV footage, leaving residents horrified and alert.
The victim, identified as Sitaram Nilesh Doke, was on his way to the fields when a leopard suddenly pounced on his moving two-wheeler. The wild animal struck with immense force, causing the farmer to lose control. Doke sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at the Alephata Primary Health Centre. After the attack, the leopard was seen fleeing toward the forest, as captured by the surveillance camera.
This latest incident has reignited fear among citizens in the surrounding villages, many of whom say that leopards have increasingly been spotted near homes and along busy roads. Over the last few months, leopard sightings and attacks have surged, creating a tense atmosphere and forcing villagers to remain indoors after dark. Several lives have already been lost to similar encounters, making the situation extremely alarming.
Authorities have confirmed that leopard movement along the Kalyan Nagar Highway has been rising sharply, and there have even been cases of leopards dying after being hit by heavy vehicles. Despite such incidents, the animals continue to enter human settlements, which officials describe as a “critical and escalating situation.”
In response to these repeated attacks, District Collector Jitendra Dudi recently chaired a high-level meeting focused on controlling the growing human–leopard conflict. The meeting included Deputy Conservator of Forests Prashant Khade, Mahadev Mohite, and senior officers from the regional and wildlife departments. Following discussions, the District Collector ordered the immediate establishment of a control room and announced a toll-free helpline (18003033) for citizens to report leopard sightings or emergencies.
To strengthen on-ground surveillance, officials have started deploying artificial intelligence (AI)-based systems, solar-powered night surveillance drones, camera traps, and sound alert mechanisms in high-risk villages. These modern technologies aim to track leopard movements more efficiently and reduce surprise encounters.
At present, the Junnar Forest Department has access to 262 leopard cages, but considering the rising number of cases, an additional 700 cages will be procured urgently through external agencies. Moreover, the administration has directed the formation of “co-monitoring committees” at the village level. These will comprise experienced locals, forest volunteers, and NGO representatives who will help with awareness campaigns and emergency coordination.
Through these committees, drone surveys will be carried out to estimate the leopard population and identify potential danger zones. Simultaneously, District Collector Dudi has instructed the Superintendent of Police to organize a special “Tiger Cell” meeting to enhance inter-departmental cooperation and quick response mechanisms.
Since October 12, 2025, officials have successfully captured 17 leopards alive from the Junnar and Shirur regions, highlighting the intensity of wildlife activity in the area. Yet, despite these efforts, attacks continue to surface, raising concerns over both public safety and wildlife management.
