Pune, July 23: A heartbreaking incident in the Pimplesutty village of Shirur taluka, Pune district, has left the community in shock. On Wednesday, a leopard abducted 5-year-old Bhagyashree while she was sleeping near her parents in a makeshift animal shelter.
Bhagyashree was resting with her parents when the leopard struck. The parents awoke to find their daughter in the leopard’s jaws. They shouted and attempted to chase the animal, but it fled into a nearby sugarcane field with the child. Sadly, her body was later discovered in the field.
Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Smita Kulkarni stated that the forest department received information about the incident within 15 minutes. A team arrived at the scene by 3:15 AM and immediately initiated a search operation. The child’s body was recovered after the post-mortem process was completed, and her last rites have since been conducted.
Upon receiving the news, Junner Forest Department officials, including Deputy Conservator Prashant Khade, Assistant Conservator Rajhans, and Range Officer Neelkanth Gawane, inspected the site. After documenting the scene, the body was sent to a local hospital for post-mortem. The government has begun the process of providing immediate financial assistance to the grieving family.
In response to the incident, the forest department has intensified the search for the leopard in the area. Special teams have been deployed to capture the animal, with traps and camera traps set up, and drone surveillance being utilized. Night patrols have also been increased.
The forest department urges citizens to avoid going out alone at night, never leave small children unattended, and report any leopard sightings immediately. The village is currently enveloped in mourning, while nearby residents are living in fear following this tragic event.
Leave a Comment