Human-wildlife conflicts are a growing concern, especially in areas where human settlements and agricultural lands encroach upon natural habitats. Due to habitat loss and food scarcity, wild animals enter into human settlements. Recently, a terrifying incident of a man fighting off a leopard barehanded has gone viral on social media. Luckily, the brave man forced the big cat to retreat into a nearby banana plantation.
Man Bravely Fights Off Leopard Barehanded
According to the reports, the 35-year-old man identified as Mihilal, a resident of Girdhari Purwa in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri district, was working at a brick kiln on Monday. Suddenly, the leopard, who had taken shelter inside the king's chimney, attacked him from behind when he moved near the structure.
However, despite the sudden attack, Mihilal didn't panic or run off. Instead, he stood his ground and resisted the animal's attack barehanded. The intense fight between the worker and the big cat drew the attention of nearby workers. They rushed to help their co-worker and threw bricks and stones at the leopard. This forced the big cat to retreat into a nearby banana plantation.
Kalesh b/w a Leopard and Guy (In Lakhimpur Kheri UP, A leopard attacked brick kiln workers. Mihilal, 35, fought and subdued the leopard until it fled into a field, exhausted. The forest department later captured the leopard. Several people were injured)
— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) June 24, 2025
pic.twitter.com/aCBw0PhTr4
While the origin of the video couldn't be verified, it is shared on X by Sachin Gupta. The video has gone viral amassing massive views and likes.
What Happened Next?
The villagers immediately informed the forest department and a team was dispatched to the area to track the wild animal. When the team arrived, the injured leopard attacked them. Several including forest department officials, cops
Later, with additional force, the forest department team returned to the location. They conducted a joint operation and safely captured the leopard after tranquilising it.