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Leopard Caught in Pune as State Ramps Up Cages and AI Alerts, Seeks Central Nod on Lethal Action

Officials will use DNA profiling to verify whether the captured animal caused the recent deaths.

Overview

  • A male leopard was trapped in a cage at Pimparkhed in Shirur, the area where 13-year-old Rohan Bombe was killed, and officials said it may be moved to Vantara in Jamnagar.
  • The forest department authorised capture by traps or tranquilisation with permission to shoot if capture is not feasible, and sharpshooter teams were deployed under the order.
  • Villagers staged day-long rasta roko blockades on the Pune–Nashik highway, torched a patrol vehicle and a Rapid Response Force office, and demanded gun licences and immediate action.
  • Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar approved Rs 11.25 crore for 20 rescue teams and equipment, including hundreds of cages, tranquilising guns and surveillance cameras for the Junnar division.
  • Forest Minister Ganesh Naik announced 200 cages immediately with 1,000 more to be procured, satellite-based AI alerts, fencing and relocation plans, while proposals for sterilisation and permission to put down man-eaters have been taken up with the Centre by state leaders including the Chief Minister.