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🇮🇳 India /Conflict & Security

Pilgrim killed in leopard attack near Male Mahadeshwara Hills

From Hindustan Times · (31m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • An eight-year-old boy was killed in a leopard attack while on a pilgrimage with his family in Karnataka, India.
  • The attack occurred in a forested area near the Male Mahadeshwara Hills shrine, reigniting fears of human-wildlife conflict.
  • Authorities have launched a search for the leopard and are implementing measures to prevent future incidents, but local residents criticize the Forest Department's response.

The Hindustan Times reports on a tragic incident that has shaken the pilgrimage site of Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Karnataka. An eight-year-old boy, Harshith, was killed in a leopard attack while trekking with his family, a stark reminder of the escalating human-wildlife conflict in the region.

The attack happened within seconds. Family members screamed and tried to chase the animal, but the leopard disappeared into the forest with the child.

— Family memberDescribing the swiftness and shock of the leopard attack.

This incident is particularly concerning as it occurred on a route frequently used by devotees. Eyewitnesses describe a swift and brutal attack, with the leopard emerging from the bushes and dragging the child away before anyone could react. The recovery of Harshith's body, showing signs of mauling, has intensified fears that the leopard may have become habituated to attacking humans.

The incident occurred at around 7 am. We launched a combing operation to identify the leopard.

— B. SurendraDeputy Conservator of Forests of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, detailing the immediate response.

The Forest Department has initiated a search operation and pledged to install trap cameras and take preventive measures. However, the attack has drawn sharp criticism from local residents and pilgrims who accuse the authorities of inaction. They point to previous fatal attacks, including one on January 21 and a near-fatal attack on another child on February 10, arguing that insufficient safety measures were in place despite ample warning.

We have given a ₹5 lakh cheque to family members and handed over the body after conducting the autopsy. We will install trap cameras and initiate steps to prevent further attacks.

— B. SurendraDeputy Conservator of Forests of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, outlining compensation and future measures.

This recurring violence underscores a critical issue for communities living near wildlife habitats and for the thousands of pilgrims who visit these sacred sites. The narrative here, as reported by the Hindustan Times, is one of vulnerability and frustration, highlighting a failure to adequately protect citizens from wildlife threats, even in areas of religious significance. The local perspective emphasizes the need for more robust action beyond mere promises, especially given the repeated nature of these devastating encounters.

Despite earlier deaths and attacks, authorities failed to provide proper protection for devotees. People are risking their lives while walking through these forest routes.

— DevoteeCriticizing the Forest Department's lack of preventive measures.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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