Overview
- A male leopard was shot dead late Tuesday after a tranquilliser attempt failed and the animal charged during a joint Forest Department–ResQ operation in Shirur taluka.
- Officials said the carcass was sent to the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre for post-mortem and samples will be profiled to verify links to three recent fatalities.
- A separate male leopard was captured in a cage in Pimparkhed earlier on Tuesday, with authorities stating that DNA analysis will confirm whether it was involved in the attacks.
- Maharashtra announced emergency and long-term steps including 200 immediate trap cages with 1,000 more to be procured, AI-based alerts, solar fencing, relocation to authorised facilities such as Vantara, and deployment of 20 specialised rescue teams funded by Rs 11.25 crore.
- The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests authorised capture or elimination operations through December 31, 2025, as the state also seeks central approval to put down confirmed man-eaters and to begin a sterilisation programme.