Leopard Drowns in Barwani Well After Villagers Delay Rescue to Record Videos
A tragic incident unfolded in Barwani district on Tuesday. A young male leopard drowned in a well. The accident occurred in the Sendhwa forest division.
Details of the Incident
Sendhwa divisional forest officer IS Gadria provided details. The leopard was about two-and-a-half years old. It fell into a well located in an agricultural field. The field belongs to Dal Singh Tarole. It sits on the outskirts of Chhatri Padava village.
The forest officer explained the likely scenario. The leopard was probably chasing prey. It accidentally fell into the well during the early morning hours. The time was between 4 am and 5 am.
The well had a cement concrete construction. It featured a low parapet wall. This design left the animal with no ledge or support. The leopard could not hold on or escape.
Failed Rescue Attempt
Preliminary findings indicate the leopard struggled for several hours. It tried desperately to save itself. Schoolchildren first noticed the problem. They heard sounds from the well while passing by. The children alerted nearby villagers.
Unfortunately, the villagers did not act quickly. Instead of informing the forest department immediately, some villagers started recording videos. They filmed the struggling big cat. This delay proved fatal.
Forest officer Gadria expressed regret. He stated that timely information could have saved the leopard. Even a simple measure might have helped. Lowering a cot or rope into the well could have allowed the animal to sit above water. It could have survived until help arrived.
Forest Department Response
The forest department received information around 9 am. Two beat guards rushed to the spot. They pulled the leopard out of the well. By then, the animal had already died.
A medical examination followed. It revealed injuries to the leopard's teeth and paws. These injuries resulted from prolonged attempts to climb out.
Officials conducted a postmortem examination. They disposed of the carcass as per established protocol on Tuesday evening.
Key Takeaways
- The leopard drowned due to delayed rescue efforts.
- Villagers prioritized recording videos over immediate action.
- Simple interventions could have saved the animal's life.
- The incident highlights the need for public awareness in wildlife emergencies.
This event serves as a somber reminder. Quick and responsible action is crucial in wildlife rescue situations.
