Cuttack: Leopard Dies in Clash, Youth Critical
A dramatic human–wildlife conflict unfolded in Anantaprasad village under Narsinghpur West forest range, Cuttack district, when a leopard entered the farmland of local youth Shubhranshu Bhol. In a desperate attempt to defend himself, Shubhranshu fought back with a knife, leading to a violent struggle.
The leopard succumbed to injuries during the clash, while Shubhranshu sustained serious wounds on his legs, hands, face, and abdomen.
He was rushed to SCB Medical College, Cuttack, where his condition remains critical.
His father, Sudarshan Bhol, stated that Shubhranshu acted purely in self‑defence. Forest officials, led by Ranger Pradeep Nayak, seized the leopard’s carcass. Assistant Conservator of Forests Manoj Patra and a scientific team have initiated an investigation into the incident.
This episode underscores the growing human–wildlife conflict in Odisha, raising concerns about safety in villages bordering forest ranges.
