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Near Male Mahadeshwara : A peaceful religious journey in southern India turned into a tragic incident after a leopard attacked and killed a young pilgrim during a night-time walk through a forest route near Male Mahadeshwara Hill. The incident has sparked serious safety concerns, as the same forest path is used by thousands of devotees every year during the annual pilgrimage season.

The victim, identified as Praveen, was around 30 years old and had set out on foot with four friends as part of a traditional pilgrimage. The group began their journey from a village in Karnataka, following a route that passes through dense forest stretches. Such foot pilgrimages are considered an expression of faith and devotion, and many pilgrims prefer to travel at night to avoid daytime heat.

Leopard Encounter During Night Walk

According to preliminary information, the group was walking along the roadside late at night when they noticed a leopard sitting on a retaining wall near the forest road. The sudden sight of the wild animal caused panic among the pilgrims. In an attempt to save themselves, the group scattered and ran in different directions.

Amid the chaos, Praveen became separated from his companions and could not be located. After regrouping at a safer spot, his friends returned to the area and noticed bloodstains close to where he was last seen. Despite searching nearby locations, they were unable to find him and immediately informed local authorities.

Search Operation and Recovery of the Body

Early the next morning, forest department personnel and police teams launched a coordinated search operation in the surrounding forest. After several hours, Praveen’s body was discovered in a deep gorge inside the forest. Officials confirmed that the leopard had attacked him, causing fatal injuries to the neck, chest, and head.

Investigators stated that the animal dragged the body nearly one kilometer into the forest. When rescue teams reached the location, the leopard was still present and feeding on the remains. Due to the absence of adequate equipment such as firecrackers or tranquilizing tools, officials faced significant difficulty in driving the animal away before retrieving the body.

Challenges Faced by Rescue Teams

The operation to recover the body proved to be slow and physically demanding. Dense vegetation, uneven terrain, and the continued presence of the leopard made the task extremely risky. After ensuring the safety of personnel, the body was finally brought out and sent for post-mortem examination.

Initial findings suggest that Praveen may have fallen while attempting to flee, which left him vulnerable to the leopard attack. A formal case has been registered, and further investigation is ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events.

Safety Concerns for Pilgrims

Every year, lakhs of devotees undertake the foot pilgrimage to Male Mahadeshwara Hill, often traveling in large groups through forest corridors known for wildlife movement. The latest incident has renewed debate over the safety arrangements along these routes, especially during night hours.

Local residents have expressed anger and frustration, alleging negligence on the part of forest authorities. According to them, leopard movement in the area had been noticed earlier and reported, but no preventive measures or warnings were put in place.

Similar Incident Raises Alarm

The tragedy has also revived memories of a similar leopard attack reported last year, when a five-year-old girl was killed near an agricultural farm in another district of Karnataka. That incident, which occurred during early evening hours, highlighted the growing instances of human-wildlife conflict in regions close to forest boundaries.

Wildlife experts have repeatedly stressed the need for better monitoring systems, awareness campaigns, and regulated pilgrimage timings to reduce risks. Measures such as group movement protocols, lighting, emergency response teams, and wildlife deterrents are being discussed as possible solutions.

As investigations continue, the incident stands as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with night travel through forested areas and the urgent need to balance religious traditions with modern safety practices.