In a startling incident, three individuals were injured following a leopard attack while they were picnicking near the Son River in the South Forest Division Range of Shahdol district on Sunday. The victims have since been taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, according to local officials.
The shocking encounter was captured in a 30-second video clip that has since gone viral on social media. The footage, filmed by one of the victims, shows the group of picnickers initially enticing the leopard, which was hiding in the bushes, by calling out “aaja aaja” (come come) while filming the encounter. What began as a playful interaction quickly escalated into chaos when the leopard suddenly lunged at the group.
8 persons hurt in leopard attacks in 3 areas of MP’s Shahdol district in last 2 days. On Sunday, 3 persons, including a police ASI and a woman were critically wounded in leopard attack at Shobha Ghat picnic spot. It’s video is viral. @NewIndianXpress @santwana99 @TheMornStandard pic.twitter.com/KvewDsTP8g
— Anuraag Singh (@anuraag_niebpl) October 21, 2024
The video depicts the leopard attacking two individuals and then dragging a third person to the ground in an apparent attempt to overpower him.
The picnickers can be heard screaming “bhaag” (run) as they realize the danger. The leopard fled the scene moments later, bringing the footage to an abrupt end.
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Forest Officials Issue Advisory Following Attack
In light of this incident, Badshah Rawat, the sub-divisional forest officer in Shahdol, confirmed that another tiger attack had occurred in the area just days earlier. Following these incidents, officials have been proactive in issuing warnings to local residents.
“We have issued an advisory and instructed officials to alert villagers and other individuals against venturing into forested areas,” Rawat stated. “A control room has also been established to assist people during such emergencies.”
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As authorities work to ensure the safety of locals, they urge caution and advise against interactions with wildlife, particularly in areas where recent animal attacks have been reported.
