Leopard Attack Sparks Panic in Kheda Village
A sudden leopard attack in a village near Ahmedabad left four people injured on Tuesday, causing widespread fear among local residents. The incident occurred in Unmatpura village near Nadiad in Kheda district, approximately 80 kilometers from Ahmedabad. The entire chaotic scene was captured on video, showing the moment the wild cat charged.
Official Details of the Incident
According to Abhishek Samria, deputy conservator of forests (DCF) for Nadiad, the leopard had likely sought refuge in the bushes near the Narmada canal as winter set in. Its presence was first noticed by a villager. As news of the sighting spread, a large crowd gathered near the canal out of curiosity to catch a glimpse of the animal.
Feeling cornered and threatened by the gathering crowd, the leopard attempted to escape. In the process, it attacked and injured four individuals. Emergency services were immediately alerted, and the injured were rushed to the civil hospital. Officials confirmed that their condition was reported to be stable.
Search Operations and Regional Context
In response to the attack, the forest department has deployed four dedicated rescue teams. They have strategically placed three cages at key locations in an effort to capture the animal safely. However, at the time of the latest reports, the leopard remained untraced, and intensive search operations were ongoing in the surrounding areas.
This incident marks a significant escalation in human-animal interaction for the area. While sources indicate that this is the first recorded leopard sighting in Unmatpura village itself, nearby Thermal village has reported sightings in the past. Leopards in this region are known to prey on cattle, but this event represents the first direct conflict leading to human injuries in recent memory. A former Kheda forest officer noted that this was likely the first attack on humans in this specific area.
The nearby Khambhat region is known to host a sizable leopard population, which may explain the animal's movement into new territories. The viral video from the spot vividly shows villagers crowding near the canal bank before the leopard suddenly charges. The footage captures people scattering in panic, with some even jumping into the canal water to escape the charging animal.
Forest officials continue to urge caution and have advised villagers against crowding or attempting to approach wild animals. The efforts to track and capture the leopard safely are a top priority to prevent any further incidents.
