Maharashtra: Leopard Brutally Killed by Pune Villagers; Teeth Plucked Out and Paws Sawed Off

Pune, January 19: In a rare case of cruelty against the wild animals, a leopard was brutally killed in Pune district's Velha taluka. The animal was not only killed with a country rifle, but its teeth were pucked out and its paws have been sawed off, reported Pune Mirror. Based on a complaint of forest officials, Police have arrested four people in relation to the case. Leopard Carcass With Two Paws Cut Off Found at Gondia in Maharashtra.

The Man-animal conflicts are common in these regions especially in the agricultural regions of Velha and Junnar. During the investigations, it was revealed that informer in the case turned out to be the accused, reported Pune Mirror. On January 10, forest officials were informed that a dead feline was spotted at Pal Khurad area. On arrival, they found the leopard carcass with missing teeth and paws sawed off. Leopard Who Mauled Over 20 People, Killed by Rajaji Tiger Reserve Officials in Motichur Range.

An autopsy report revealed that it was an unnatural death. Immediately a probe was started and a raid was conducted in the suspects' house. Soon, Narayan Kondhalkar and his father Raghunath Kondhalkar handed over 16 nails and two teeth and admitted to being involved in the crime. Kondhalkar after two days of interrogations revealed that the guy who sawed off paws was actually an informer. Later the informer was also arrested.

Following, the duo revealed the name of three more villagers. Police have arrested two villagers, while the third accused who actually killed the cat is still absconding. All the accused have been booked under various sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 19, 2019 05:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).