Farmhouse Owner and Employee Arrested for Leopard's Death in Himachal Pradesh

In a troubling incident in Himachal Pradesh, a farmhouse owner and an employee have been arrested following the death of a young leopard. The case has drawn attention to the ongoing issues of wildlife protection and human-animal conflict in the region. A post-mortem revealed severe injuries inflicted by sharp weapons, and CCTV footage captured the accused moments before the leopard fled in distress. Despite rescue efforts, the animal succumbed to its injuries, prompting a thorough investigation by the Forest Department and police. This case raises significant concerns about the treatment of wildlife and the need for stronger protective measures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 16:15 IST

Arrests Made Following Disturbing Wildlife Incident

Munish Sood
NAHAN

In a shocking case of wildlife cruelty, authorities in Himachal Pradesh have apprehended two individuals, including a farmhouse owner, linked to the tragic death of a young leopard in the Sirmaur district. The arrests followed a post-mortem examination that revealed severe injuries caused by sharp objects, alongside CCTV footage that allegedly captured the suspects shortly before the leopard fled in distress.

The incident took place in the Jogiban area of Satiwala Panchayat, under the jurisdiction of the Nahan Forest Division, where the injured leopard was first spotted on February 23.

Leopard Rescued but Unable to Survive

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Nahan, Avni Bhushan Rai, reported that the department was alerted to a leopard seeking refuge under a culvert in Jogiban. Concurrently, a video circulated on social media depicting several dogs attacking the animal.

A collaborative rescue operation was promptly initiated by teams from the Forest Department and the Animal Husbandry Department. The leopard, found in critical condition, was swiftly transported to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Tutikandi, Shimla, for urgent medical attention.

Despite receiving extensive care, the leopard unfortunately succumbed to its injuries during treatment.

Post-Mortem Reveals Gruesome Details

Given that the leopard is protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, a mandatory post-mortem was conducted. The findings, released on February 25, were alarming. Officials confirmed that the deceased was a two-year-old female leopard. While bite marks from dogs were present, investigators were horrified to discover signs of a deliberate attack using sharp weapons.

The report indicated that the leopard had suffered severe leg injuries, with four of its eighteen toes severed, suggesting extreme cruelty.

CCTV Evidence Leads to Arrests

In light of the post-mortem results, the Forest Department established a special investigation team to delve into the circumstances surrounding the leopard's demise.

During the inquiry, attention turned to a nearby farmhouse owned by individuals named Shakti and Bunty. A review of the CCTV footage from the property revealed critical evidence.

Investigators noted that the footage depicted farmhouse owner Shakti and his employee Neeraj entering an enclosure with a sickle and an axe. Shortly thereafter, the leopard was seen emerging from the area in a state of panic.

Accused Detained; Court Grants Conditional Bail

Based on the CCTV evidence and forensic analysis, the Forest Department arrested Shakti and Neeraj, presenting them to the court to request their custodial remand for further investigation.

However, the court granted them conditional bail.

DFO Rai stated that the police have officially joined the investigation, and a case has been filed against the accused under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Wildlife Protection Act.

Both the Forest Department and police are continuing their investigations into this incident, which raises significant concerns regarding wildlife protection and the increasing human-animal conflict in the area.