Kolhapur Leopard Attack: Leopard Creates Panic in City; Enters Hotel, BSNL and MSEDCL Offices

Kolhapur city witnessed a dramatic incident as a leopard entered residential and commercial areas late on Saturday night. The animal was first spotted near the Meri Weather Ground and later moved towards the Vivekanand College area and the Woodland Hotel. Panic spread among citizens as the leopard roamed around populated areas.

According to reports, the leopard attacked a gardener working in the hotel premises and later injured another employee, Nikhil Kamble, who was washing dishes. After this, the leopard entered the nearby BSNL office and then moved into the Mahavitaran (MSEDCL) office, where it attacked forest guard Omkar Katkar during a rescue attempt. Fortunately, he escaped with minor injuries.

Forest department officials, police, and local administration immediately reached the spot. The area was sealed off, and search operations continued overnight. Traps have been set up to capture the leopard alive.

Authorities have appealed to residents to remain calm but vigilant, and to avoid stepping out at night or gathering near the affected areas.

This incident has reminded locals of previous leopard sightings in the city, including the 2015 Ruikar Colony case where a leopard died during capture, and the 1995 Kasba Bavda attack in which a young woman lost her life.