Overview
- Authorities say three people, including two children, were killed in the Pimparkhed–Jambut area over roughly 20 days, triggering large protests and road blockades.
- The leopard was located about 400–500 metres from the latest attack site using thermal drones and was shot around 10:30 pm after a dart missed, with the carcass sent to the Manikdoh centre for post-mortem and samples for DNA testing.
- A separate male leopard was earlier captured in a trap in Pimparkhed, and officials said DNA profiling will determine whether it or the shot animal was linked to the killings.
- Villagers set a forest patrol vehicle and an office on fire during demonstrations, and officials obtained PCCF approval to capture or eliminate any leopard posing a threat to human life.
- The state announced 200 cages to be installed immediately and procurement of 1,000 more, deployment of specialised rescue teams, AI- and satellite-based alerts, solar fencing, more personnel, and a proposal to the Centre for leopard sterilisation and relocation.