Pune: Two devotees were injured on Saturday (August 10) evening when a leopard suddenly collided with their motorcycle on the Manchar-Ghodegaon road, near Wadgaon Kashimbe, under the jurisdiction of the Ambegaon Taluka's Gram Panchayat.
The injured devotees, Suraj Ashok Chinchkar (25) and Akash Somnath Bhise (32), both residents of Shree Kshetra Alandi, are currently receiving treatment at Manchar Sub-District Hospital.
The incident occurred as the devotees were returning from a visit to Shree Kshetra Bhimashankar. As they crossed Landevadi village and entered the limits of Wadgaon Kashimbe village, a leopard suddenly dashed across the road, colliding with their motorcycle.
The force of the collision caused both the leopard and the riders to fall to the ground. However, the leopard quickly regained its composure and fled the scene.
Akash Bhise sustained a serious head injury, while Suraj Chinchkar suffered injuries to both arms. The motorcycle was significantly damaged in the incident. Local authorities were alerted immediately, and both injured were transported to the hospital by an ambulance arranged by Akshay Thorat and driven by Amit Kate.
Manchar Forest Range Officer Smita Rajhans, along with Valunjwadi Sarpanch Navnath Valunj, visited the scene and conducted a thorough inspection.
The villagers were urged to exercise caution as the leopard was reportedly seen in the Valunjwadi Gram Panchayat area. The forest department has intensified its patrolling in the region to ensure the safety of the residents.
This incident highlights the increasing presence of leopards in the hilly areas of the Gram Panchayat, where five to six leopards, along with two cubs, have been sighted.
These predators have previously attacked livestock and even humans, causing injuries to several individuals. The forest department has set up three traps to rescue the leopards, and awareness campaigns are being conducted by the Gram Panchayat and the forest department.
