A leopard attacked 17-year-old Jayashree Dagdu Pawar in the Nandivale settlement of Bori Budruk village in Maharashtra’s Junnar taluka on Tuesday night, injuring her leg and triggering concern among residents after the animal entered a populated area.
The attack took place between around 9.30 pm and 10 pm, when Pawar had stepped outside her home to urinate, according to a report by Sakal – Pune. The leopard, reportedly hiding in the area, suddenly attacked her. She sustained an injury to her leg before residents reached the spot and helped her.
Pawar was taken to the government rural hospital in Narayangaon for treatment. After her condition improved, she was discharged and allowed to return home on Wednesday evening, the report said.
Forest Department personnel, including forest guards Ganesh Bagde and Rishikesh Gaikwad, reached the location after receiving information about the incident. The immediate response included arranging medical treatment for the injured teenager.
The attack has increased concern in Bori Budruk because it occurred within the village settlement rather than in an isolated agricultural or forested area. Residents of Junnar’s rural settlements have repeatedly faced the presence of leopards in fields, farm areas and scattered hamlets, according to the report. The latest incident has renewed concerns about the safety of women, children and elderly residents who need to step outside their homes at night.
Residents have asked the Forest Department to conduct regular patrols in and around the settlement, monitor the leopard’s movements and take preventive measures. They have also sought guidance on safety precautions and requested that authorities consider placing a cage if required after assessing the animal’s presence and movements.
The incident places attention on the difficulty of maintaining safety in settlements where homes, agricultural land and open spaces are closely connected. For residents, the immediate concern is the risk of further encounters during routine activities after dark. The Forest Department’s next steps, including tracking the leopard and deciding whether additional measures are necessary, will determine the response in the area.
