Man-Animal Conflict: Leopard Dies in Frightening Encounter With Odisha Youth
The violent encounter also resulted in significant damage to property and a vehicle at the farmhouse
Bhubaneswar: A late-night human–wildlife encounter in Odisha’s Cuttack district turned tragic on Friday, leaving a leopard dead and a local youth critically injured, and sending waves of fear through villages on the fringes of forested Narsinghpur.
The incident unfolded at a farmhouse in Anantprasad village under the Narsinghpur West forest range, where a leopard reportedly strayed into the premises late at night. The intrusion came to light when pet dogs at the farmhouse began barking incessantly, alerting the family to the presence of the wild animal.
According to preliminary accounts, the dogs initially confronted the leopard, following which the animal allegedly attacked Subhranshu Bhol, who was inside the farmhouse at the time. In a desperate attempt to save himself, the youth engaged in a struggle with the animal with a vegetable knife. During the confrontation, the leopard sustained fatal stab injuries and died on the spot.
The youth suffered serious injuries to his head and other parts of the body. He was given immediate medical assistance and later shifted to Cuttack for advanced treatment. Officials said his condition remains serious.
The violent encounter also resulted in significant damage to property and a vehicle at the farmhouse.
Recounting the tense moments, the victim’s father, Sudarshan Bhol, said he received a distress call from his son between 12.30 am and 1 am, urging him to arrange an ambulance and rush to the farmhouse. “He asked me not to inform his mother,” he said, adding that after the struggle, his son locked himself inside the house to ensure his safety.
Forest department officials reached the spot soon after the incident, recovered the leopard’s carcass and launched an investigation to ascertain how the animal ventured into a human habitation. Villagers in the area have been advised to remain alert.
Athagarh Superintendent of Police Manoj Patra confirmed the incident, stating that police received information late at night about a leopard entering the farmhouse. “During the ensuing struggle, the youth was injured and the leopard was killed. The injured person has been referred to Cuttack for treatment. Further investigation is underway,” he said.
