Three people were injured on Sunday when a leopard attacked a group of picnickers in the South Forest Division Range of Shahdol. The incident occurred near the Son River in the Khitauli beat, where the group had gathered for a picnic.
According to officials, the victims were immediately taken to a hospital for treatment after the sudden attack.
A 30-second video, now viral on social media, captures the shocking moment. Filmed by one of the victims, the clip shows the leopard emerging from the bushes after the group allegedly instigated the animal by calling out to it. The video begins with the picnickers calling to the leopard, saying “aaja aaja” (come, come) while filming. Moments later, their amusement turned to terror as the big cat charged at them.
The leopard attacked two people before dragging another to the ground, attempting to maul him. Screams of “bhaag” (run) can be heard in the background as the group fled. The leopard eventually retreated, and the video ends abruptly.
Sub-Divisional Forest Officer of Shahdol, Badshah Rawat, commented on the incident, noting that a similar tiger attack had occurred in the same area days earlier. “We had already issued advisories warning people not to venture into the forests. A control room has also been established to assist in such situations,” Rawat said.
Authorities have reinforced the advisory, urging locals and visitors to avoid entering forested areas to prevent further incidents.
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