The Forest Department in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district successfully captured the leopard responsible for the tragic death of a devotee at Male Mahadeshwara Hills. The devotee, identified as Praveen, was mauled to death during a pilgrimage to the area. The leopard was trapped using drones and cages in the foothill region of the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
The incident occurred when Praveen, along with four friends, was attacked by the leopard while walking near Male Mahadeshwara Hill. Despite efforts to escape, Praveen fell victim to the attack. The Forest Department, along with the police, initiated a search operation and discovered Praveen’s body in a gorge inside the forest.
Authorities have taken steps to prevent similar incidents, including banning night-time foot pilgrimages and urging devotees to use authorized transport services during the daytime. Local residents have expressed frustration over the incident and criticized alleged negligence by forest officials in addressing leopard movements in the area.
In response to the tragedy, trekking has been prohibited from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at Sri Kshetra Male Mahadeshwara Betta to enhance pilgrim safety. Sri Male Mahadeshwara Kshetra Development Authority Secretary A.E. Raghu has called for devotees’ cooperation and emphasized traveling in groups for added security.
