Farmhouse Owner, Employee Arrested After CCTV Evidence Surfaces
Munish Sood
NAHAN
In a disturbing case highlighting cruelty towards wildlife, the Forest Department has arrested two individuals, including a farmhouse owner, in connection with the d*eath of a young leopard in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The arrests were made after a post-mortem report revealed brutal injuries inflicted with sharp weapons and CCTV footage allegedly captured the accused moments before the animal fled the premises in distress.
The incident occurred in the Jogiban area of Satiwala Panchayat under the Nahan Forest Division, where the injured leopard was first discovered on February 23.
Leopard Rescued in Critical Condition
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Nahan Avni Bhushan Rai said the department received information that a leopard had taken shelter beneath a culvert in the Jogiban area. Around the same time, a video had surfaced on social media showing several dogs attacking the animal.
A joint rescue operation was immediately launched by teams from the Forest Department and the Animal Husbandry Department. The leopard, found severely injured and in a fragile condition, was rescued and rushed to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at Tutikandi in Shimla for emergency treatment.
Despite intensive medical care, the animal succumbed to its injuries during treatment.
Post-Mortem Uncovers Severe Mutilation
As the leopard is listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, the highest category of legal protection for wildlife in India, a mandatory post-mortem examination was conducted.
The report, received on February 25, revealed shocking details. Officials confirmed that the deceased was a two-year-old female leopard. While the animal bore bite marks from dogs, investigators were alarmed to find evidence of a deliberate attack with sharp weapons.
The report stated that the leopard’s leg had been severely injured and four of its 18 toes were found severed, pointing towards extreme brutality.
CCTV Footage Leads Investigators to Accused
Following the findings of the post-mortem report, the Forest Department constituted a special investigation team to probe the circumstances surrounding the leopard’s death.
During the investigation, suspicion turned towards a nearby farmhouse belonging to individuals identified as Shakti and Bunty. When officials examined the CCTV cameras installed on the property, crucial evidence reportedly emerged.
According to investigators, the footage shows farmhouse owner Shakti and his employee Neeraj entering an enclosure while carrying a sickle and an axe. Moments later—within about 10 to 15 seconds—the leopard is seen emerging from the area in a state of panic and severe distress.
Accused Arrested; Court Grants Conditional Bail
Based on the CCTV footage and forensic findings, the Forest Department arrested the two accused—Shakti and Neeraj—and presented them before a court seeking their custodial remand for further questioning.
However, the court granted the accused conditional bail.
DFO Rai said the police have now formally joined the investigation, and a case has been registered against the accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Wildlife Protection Act.
Authorities from the Forest Department and the police are continuing further investigations into the incident, which has raised serious concerns over the protection of wildlife and growing human-animal conflict in the region.
