Mandi, Dec 24: A series of leopard attacks across villages in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district left one man dead and five others injured on Wednesday, prompting residents to kill the animal after it attempted multiple assaults, officials said.
The incident unfolded across Chandiyal, Bhadyal and Malwana villages in the Balh Ghati region, where the leopard moved through residential areas during the morning hours.
“The animal was first spotted in Chandiyal and then moved rapidly toward nearby villages,” an official said. “It created fear among residents as it attacked people at random.”
The final and fatal attack took place in Malwana village, where Balveer Singh, 40, was mauled to death. Police said Singh, a resident of Bholi village, was a migrant worker living in Mandi and was visiting family at the time of the incident.
“He sustained fatal injuries and could not be saved,” the official said.
Five people were injured in separate attacks before the leopard was stopped. The injured were identified as Sahib Singh from Bihar, Dinanath and Janit from Bhadyal, Champa Devi from Malwana and Rekha Devi from Bhadyal.
“All injured persons have been admitted to SLBS Government Medical College and Hospital, Nerchowk,” a health official said, adding that their condition was stable.
As news of the attacks spread, residents rushed out of their homes armed with sticks and farm tools. “There was widespread panic, and people were trying to protect themselves,” a local resident said.
Officials said the leopard attempted another attack before villagers managed to shoot it dead. The animal’s body was later recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.
Forest department officials said they are reviewing the incident and will assess whether additional measures are needed to prevent wildlife straying into inhabited areas.
