Overview
- Forest officials said sharpshooters killed a charging leopard near Pimparkhed late Tuesday after a tranquilliser dart misfired, with the carcass sent to Manikdoh for a post-mortem.
- Hours earlier, teams had caged a 5–6-year-old male leopard in the same area, with DNA profiling planned to determine any link to recent fatalities before permanent decisions.
- The Maharashtra government announced 200 trap cages immediately and procurement of 1,000 more, AI-based satellite alerts, solar fencing and increased staff to reduce encounters.
- Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar cleared Rs 11.25 crore for 20 rescue teams equipped with shooters, tranquilising guns, vehicles, cameras and medical kits for rapid response.
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state has asked the Centre to permit putting down confirmed man-eaters and to approve a leopard sterilisation and relocation programme, including transfers to the Vantara facility.