Pune–Nashik Highway Blocked After Leopard Attack in Shirur; 13-Year-Old Boy Killed, Villagers Demand Action

Pune–Nashik Highway jammed for five hours after a leopard killed a 13-year-old boy in Shirur. Villagers protest, demanding government permission to kill the leopard and stronger protection measures.

Shirur (Pune), November 3, 2025 – A tragic leopard attack in Pimparkhed village, Shirur taluka, sparked massive outrage as villagers blocked the Pune–Nashik Highway for nearly five hours. The incident claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy, reigniting anger over the growing number of leopard attacks in the region. In the past five years, eleven people have reportedly been killed in similar attacks across the area.

The latest attack took place when the boy was playing near his home. Locals rushed to the spot but were unable to save him. Furious residents accused the forest department of neglecting repeated warnings about leopard sightings and demanded immediate action. Hundreds gathered on the highway, refusing to clear the road until senior officials arrived. The protest brought traffic to a standstill and forced the police to divert vehicles through alternate routes.

Villagers demanded government permission to kill the leopard responsible, claiming that previous measures such as traps and patrols have failed. They also called for permanent fencing, more lighting, and night patrols in affected villages. Many said that living alongside leopards has become increasingly dangerous, with sugarcane fields and riverbanks serving as common hiding places for the animals.

Forest officials confirmed that cages, drones, and monitoring cameras have been deployed to track the leopard. A special team of shooters has also been kept ready if the animal poses a further threat. Authorities admitted that the leopard population in Shirur and nearby Junnar taluka has grown significantly, largely due to overlapping human and wildlife habitats.

The recurring attacks have left villagers frightened and angry. Farmers now avoid working in fields during early morning and late evening hours. Local leaders have urged the government to develop a long-term plan that ensures both public safety and the protection of wildlife.

The tragic death of the young boy and the subsequent highway blockade highlight the urgent need for effective conflict management between humans and wildlife in Maharashtra’s rural areas. Unless a sustainable solution is implemented, the fear of another such attack will continue to haunt residents living near forested zones.

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