Pune: Panic has engulfed the northeastern parts of Pune district after three fatal leopard attacks in Shirur Tehsil within 20 days. On Monday, enraged villagers blocked the Pune–Nashik Highway near Manchar, demanding urgent government intervention to curb the growing leopard menace.
The rasta roko protest, which began around 11 a.m., saw massive participation from residents of Ambegaon, Khed, Junnar, and Shirur tehsils. The blockade brought the busy highway to a complete standstill, with traffic jams stretching for several kilometres.
Officials from the Pune Rural Police and Revenue Departments rushed to the spot to calm protestors and open dialogue. However, citizens refused to disperse, demanding immediate “shoot-at-sight” orders for leopards posing a threat to human life and calling for the crisis to be declared a state-level disaster.
Locals also insisted that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, and District Collector Jitendra Dudi visit the area for an on-ground inspection. “We want concrete action, not empty promises,” said Dhondiram Jadhav, a local resident. “Human lives must be prioritised, and science-based solutions such as tracking, caging, and relocation should be implemented immediately.”
The opposition parties have lashed out at the ruling government, accusing it of negligence and inaction. Meanwhile, the ruling party claims efforts are underway “on a war footing” and has accused the opposition of politicising the crisis for electoral gain.
With the upcoming elections, the leopard attacks have become a flashpoint in political debates. Heated exchanges between party workers have erupted on social media, while citizen groups have urged leaders to set politics aside and focus on solutions to protect farmers and villagers.
Former Maharashtra Home Minister and Ambegaon MLA Dilip Walse Patil appealed for calm, urging all sides to “avoid politicising the tragedy.” He revealed that a “Leopard Sterilisation Proposal” has been sent to the Central Government to control the population surge and emphasised the need for sensitive handling of the issue.
As fear continues to grip villages in Shirur and surrounding areas, residents await tangible action to restore safety and end the rising man-animal conflict.
