A 64-year-old woman narrowly escaped a leopard attack after courageously fighting back with a sickle in Koti village of the Pathalidhar area in Rudraprayag’s Agastyamuni block. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning while she had gone to collect fodder for her livestock. She sustained injuries but is now reported to be in stable condition after receiving primary medical treatment.
According to reports, Narayani Devi (64) had gone into the nearby forest at around 11:45 a.m. to cut grass when a leopard suddenly emerged from the bushes and attacked her. Instead of panicking, she used the sickle she was carrying to repeatedly strike the animal. Her quick response forced the leopard to retreat into the forest, saving her life.
The attack left Narayani Devi with injuries to her hands and legs. She was immediately taken for medical treatment, where doctors administered first aid. Dr. Priyanshi said the injuries were not life-threatening and that the woman is in stable condition.
The victim’s son, Pankaj Singh, said this is the first such leopard attack reported in the area, leaving villagers alarmed. Residents noted that most families in the village depend on livestock and must enter nearby forests daily to collect fodder. The presence of a leopard has now made this routine activity increasingly dangerous.
Villagers have urged the Forest Department to increase patrolling in the area, monitor the leopard’s movement, and take effective measures to ensure the safety of local residents. Authorities are expected to assess the situation and strengthen surveillance in the affected forest region.
