Pune: Leopard Attacks Three Motorcycles in Pargaon-Khadakwadi; Teen Girl Injured

Pune: A leopard attacked three motorcycles in succession on the Khadakwadi-Pondewadi road near the Khadakwadi crematorium in Taluka Ambegaon on Wednesday night. The attack occurred around 7:45 PM when a group of riders was returning from the Yatra in Dhamani.

Sachin Mali, riding the first motorcycle, managed to dodge the leopard’s attack and escape. The second motorcycle, ridden by Dinesh Balasaheb Ranpise with his young son, was also targeted, but he managed to evade the attack. However, the leopard bit Shreya Machhindra Doke (17), who was riding pillion on the third motorcycle with her brother, Omkar Machhindra Doke. The siblings abandoned their bike and narrowly escaped further harm.

Shreya sustained two bite injuries on her left leg and was initially taken to Dr. Rasik Kale Hospital in Loni for first aid. Later, she was shifted to Manchar Upazila Hospital for further treatment. The incident involved a female leopard and her two cubs, creating panic in the area.

Forester Sonal Bhalerao and the Leopard Rapid Action Force visited the scene immediately. Meanwhile, former Sarpanch Anil Doke and Deputy Sarpanch Eknath Sukre have urged residents to remain cautious while stepping out, especially near fields and isolated areas.