Desk | Bhandara

A tragic incident involving a suspected wild animal attack has created fear and panic in the Kodurli-Pilandri forest area of the taluka. A 50-year-old farmer, identified as Baburao Natthuji Pillewan, a resident of Kodurli village, lost his life after being attacked by a wild animal on Friday afternoon.

According to reports, Baburao Pillewan had gone to his farmland near the forest area along with his wife for agricultural work. After finishing their lunch, the couple was preparing to return home when a violent wild animal, suspected to be either a tiger or a leopard, suddenly attacked Baburao.

The horrifying incident took place in front of his wife. The animal reportedly growled at her as well, forcing her to run toward the village to save her life and alert the villagers. Soon after receiving the information, villagers rushed to the forest area, where Baburao was found dead.

The forest department and police officials were immediately informed. Officers from the forest department reached the spot and began an investigation. A case has been registered at Adyal Police Station under Section 194 of the BNSS Act, and further inquiry is underway.

Officials said that based on the statement of the eyewitness, the attack is suspected to have been carried out by a leopard. However, forensic examination of samples collected from the scene will confirm whether the animal was a leopard or a tiger.

Meanwhile, the forest department has installed trap cameras and cages in the area to capture the animal. A sharpshooter from Bhandara has also been called in as a precautionary measure. The sudden death of Baburao Pillewan has left the entire Kodurli village in shock and mourning. He is survived by his wife, a 27-year-old son, and a 21-year-old daughter.