A struggle ensued between the two for about 10 to 15 minutes, in which Pravesh emerged victorious and the leopard died. When this news spread, people came from far and wide to see Pravesh.
हिमाचल: अपनी जान बचाने तेंदुए को पत्थर और लाठी से मार डाला, 18 वर्षीय प्रवेश को पहले किया सम्मानित, अब वाइल्ड लाइफ प्रोटेक्शन एक्ट में FIR
Himachal Pradesh: About four days ago, in Sarli village within the Arki tehsil of Solan, 18-year-old Pravesh Sharma displayed immense bravery by fighting a leopard. Pravesh confronted the leopard—which had launched a life-threatening attack—using only stones and a stick. A struggle ensued between the two that lasted for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, ending in Pravesh’s victory and the death of the leopard. As news of this spread, people traveled from far and wide to see Pravesh. Tales of his bravery were published in newspapers, and the Forest Department, while commending him, also presented him with a reward of 5,000 rupees. However, within just 24 hours of receiving this reward, a case was registered against Pravesh under the Wildlife Protection Act. Arki Range Officer Ashok Kumar has confirmed this development.
A case has emerged from the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh that has left the entire region in a state of astonishment. Here, an 18-year-old ITI student, Pravesh Sharma, confronted a leopard in a bid to save his own life and succeeded in killing it. Initially, the Forest Department honored him and provided financial assistance in appreciation of his bravery; however, shortly thereafter, a case was registered against him regarding that very same incident. This turn of events has left the public bewildered, and discussions surrounding this issue have intensified within the village.
When an 18-Year-Old Youth Clashed with a Leopard
The incident actually occurred when Pravesh, a resident of Sarli village, had stepped out of his home in the morning to fetch milk. Suddenly, a female leopard, lying in ambush within the bushes, launched a deadly attack on him from behind. The leopard’s sharp teeth and claws began tearing into Pravesh’s face and neck. Death loomed right before him, but instead of giving in, Pravesh decided to fight back.
In this spine-chilling struggle, which lasted for approximately 12 minutes, Pravesh summoned every ounce of his strength. He grabbed the leopard’s jaws with his bare hands and, using a nearby stone and stick to strike the animal, managed to save his life. Ultimately, the leopard collapsed and died, while Pravesh emerged from the ordeal—bloodied but victorious—having cheated death. Department Reverses Stance in 24 Hours: First Honor, Then an FIR
Upon receiving information about the incident, a team from the Forest Department rushed to the scene. The injured youth was transported to a hospital for treatment. At that time, the Forest Department initially saluted Parvesh’s courage, hailing him as a hero and presenting him with a cash reward of ₹5,000. However, within just 24 hours, the department’s attitude shifted completely. The very department that had awarded him—citing self-defense as the justification—has now registered an FIR against Parvesh under Section 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and has summoned him to the police station.
Family Expresses Shock Over FIR
Parvesh’s family has expressed deep shock and bewilderment regarding this action. The youth’s father, Balak Ram, along with other villagers, argues that since the department had already acknowledged that the son fought to save his own life, registering a case against him now defies all logic. They maintain that his actions were not driven by any recreational motive, but were taken solely to preserve his life.
What Forest Officials Say
Forest officials state that this action is merely a procedural requirement of the law. According to regulations, it is mandatory to register a case and conduct a subsequent investigation whenever a protected wildlife species dies. Furthermore, they clarified that actions taken in the interest of self-defense are generally not classified as criminal offenses.
Atmosphere of Fear Among Villagers
Meanwhile, this incident has also heightened concerns regarding the increasing presence of leopards in the area. Villagers report that leopard activity has surged within the village and surrounding regions over recent times. There have been several reported instances of attacks on livestock. Consequently, residents have demanded that the Forest Department install cages in the area and intensify patrolling efforts.
This incident once again highlights the grave issue of escalating human-wildlife conflict in hilly regions—a scenario where, on one hand, people are struggling to save their own lives, while on the other, the processes of law and regulation appear to be taking their own independent course.
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