Karnataka: Leopard Behind Fatal Attack at Male Mahadeshwara Hills Finally Captured

• Leopard captured after fatal attack at Male Mahadeshwara Hills
• Forest department used drones and ground surveillance
• Captured leopard to be shifted to rehabilitation centre

Mysuru / Karnataka: After days of tension and continuous monitoring the Karnataka Forest Department has successfully captured the leopard involved in the death of a devotee at Male Mahadeshwara Hills. The operation which concluded late Thursday night brought relief to local residents pilgrims and forest staff who were on high alert since the incident.

The leopard attack occurred when a devotee was undertaking a foot pilgrimage to Male Mahadeshwara Hills. The victim was later identified as Praveen from Cheeranhalli village in Mandya district. The incident had triggered concern among pilgrims and prompted authorities to intensify security and surveillance across the region.

Forest officials tracked the animal’s movement using drone surveillance combined with close ground level monitoring. Based on confirmed movement patterns the team carried out a carefully planned tranquilisation operation ensuring the safety of both personnel and the animal. The leopard was eventually sedated and captured without further incident.

Officials confirmed that the captured animal is a male leopard aged between two and three years. The rescue operation involved more than fifty forest personnel under the leadership of senior officers and veterinary expert Dr Adarsh who supervised the tranquilisation process.

The forest department has decided to relocate the leopard to the Kurgalli rehabilitation centre for further observation and care. Meanwhile the family of the deceased devotee has been provided financial compensation of Rs 5 lakh which was formally handed over by in charge minister Venkatesh.

Authorities have reiterated that safety measures will continue at Male Mahadeshwara Hills to ensure the protection of pilgrims and prevent similar incidents in the future.