Mumbai: A motorcyclist narrowly escaped a leopard attack in Vasai late Tuesday night while returning home from work, as per reports. The motorcyclist, identified as Shah Rukh Khan, fell on the rural road during the attack and shouted for help, which scared the leopard and alerted nearby security personnel.

The incident, occurring in the Bhoidapada area of Vasai East, has caused alarm among locals who frequently use the same route. A team from the Valiv police station arrived at the scene after being informed by residents. Police preserved a paw print on the road for further investigation and have alerted forest officials to the leopard’s presence.

The motorcyclist escaped unhurt. Paw prints were preserved and forest officials were informed. The animal is suspected to be a leopard, stated Dilip Ghughe, senior inspector of Valiv police station, according to a Mid-day report. Forest officials are now searching for more evidence, such as additional paw prints, tree scratches and droppings, to trace the animal.

Leopard Sighting In Navi Mumbai

This is not the first leopard sighting in the Mumbai Metropolitian region. Recently videos of leopard sightings in Aarey have also came forward. Meanwhile, in another related incident, following reports of a leopard sighting on Kharghar Hills, the forest department has initiated an investigation to verify the claims. A team has been deployed to search the area for evidence such as paw prints or scat (feces) to confirm the animal’s presence.

Since las week, several videos showing a leopard moving through the jungle have gone viral. One of the videos, recorded on the morning of January 7 by former Kharghar deputy Sarpanch Sanjay Gharat, urged residents to remain alert and avoid using the stretch until the leopard is captured.

Precautionary Measures Taken By Residents

In response, precautionary measures have been implemented. Banners have been placed across the hill area, warning residents against walking alone. The banners also advise residents to keep pets indoors, avoid leaving children unsupervised and play loud music if walking alone to deter the animal.

With increasing instances of human-leopard conflicts and a growing leopard population, MLC Satyajeet Tambe proposed sterilization as a population control measure. In a letter to the Maharashtra government, Tambe highlighted the issue, prompting a positive response from Forest Minister Ganesh Naik. Naik announced that the proposal would be forwarded to the central government for approval, as sterilization of leopards requires their permission.

Additionally, Tambe proposed grants for farmers in such areas to build fences around their fields and homes, a demand he raised during the winter legislative session. These measures aim to mitigate the increasing conflicts between humans and leopards in rural Maharashtra.