Mandi, Dec 24: A leopard went on a rampage across three villages in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on Wednesday morning, killing one man and injuring five others before being shot dead by local residents, officials said.
The attacks triggered panic in the Balh Ghati area after the animal struck at Chandiyal, Bhadyal and Malwana villages in quick succession.
“The leopard attacked people at three different locations within a short span of time,” a district official said. “Despite efforts to alert residents, the animal continued to move through populated areas.”
The first incident was reported from Chandiyal village, where the leopard injured a person before moving toward Bhadyal. It then reached Malwana village, where a 40-year-old man was mauled to death, officials said.
The deceased was identified as Balveer Singh, a resident of Bholi village. Police said he was a migrant worker living in Mandi and had come to Malwana to visit relatives.
“Singh suffered critical injuries during the attack and died on the spot,” an official said.
Five others were injured in the attacks. They were identified as Sahib Singh of Bihar, Dinanath of Bhadyal, Champa Devi of Malwana, Janit of Bhadyal and Rekha Devi, also of Bhadyal. All the injured were taken to Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College and Hospital in Nerchowk, where they are undergoing treatment.
Following the attacks, fear spread across the area, with residents stepping out of their homes carrying sticks and sharp tools to protect themselves.
“The leopard tried to attack again, forcing villagers to act in self-defense,” a local official said. The animal was eventually shot dead, police said.
The carcass has been sent for post-mortem examination, and forest department officials said further action would be taken after the report.
