Leopard enters farmhouse, owner retaliates to save his life in Odisha

A late-night human-wildlife encounter in Odisha’s Narsinghpur area in Cuttack district has left a leopard dead and a local youth seriously injured, triggering panic among residents of nearby villages. The incident occurred on Friday night at a farmhouse in Anantprasad village under the Narsinghpur West forest range.

According to preliminary information, the leopard reportedly entered the farmhouse of Subhranshu Bhol, where he was present at the time. The intrusion came to light after the family’s pet dogs began barking, alerting the household to the animal’s presence. The dogs initially confronted the leopard, following which the animal allegedly attacked the youth.

In an attempt to defend himself, the youth reportedly engaged in a struggle with the leopard. During the confrontation, the animal sustained fatal stab injuries and later died on the spot. The youth suffered serious injuries to his head and other parts of the body and was first provided medical assistance before being shifted to Cuttack for advanced treatment.

Apart from the injuries, significant damage was reported to property and a vehicle at the farmhouse during the incident.

The victim’s father, Sudarshan Bhol, said he received a distress call from his son between 12:30 am and 1 am, requesting him to arrange an ambulance and reach the farmhouse immediately. He added that his son asked him not to inform his mother. According to the father, the youth locked himself inside the house after the struggle to ensure safety.

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Forest department officials reached the spot shortly after the incident, recovered the leopard’s carcass, and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. Authorities are examining how the animal strayed into a residential area and have advised villagers to remain alert.

Athagarh Superintendent of Police Manoj Patra confirmed the incident, stating that police received information late at night about a leopard entering the farmhouse. He said that during the ensuing struggle, the youth was injured and the leopard was killed. The injured person has been referred to Cuttack for treatment, and further investigation is underway.

The incident has heightened fear among residents in the surrounding areas and once again brought the issue of increasing human-wildlife conflict into focus.