VALPOI
A 59-year-old employee of the Police department, who was reportedly attacked by a leopard near Charavane, succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at GMC Hospital on Monday night.
According to information, the incident had taken place on Friday night when Yeshwant Gopal Gawas of Charavane was travelling on a two-wheeler from Thane to his native place Charavane on Friday.
A leopard suddenly leapt from the nearby forest and attacked Gawas on the Thane-Charavane road. The impact caused him to fall on the road, sustaining a serious head injury.
After receiving primary treatment, he was shifted to the GMC hospital at Bambolim for further treatment, but died on Monday night.
Gawas had been serving as a senior technical officer in the Police Department for many years.
On Tuesday afternoon, his mortal remains were brought to his residence at Charavane. A large number of villagers, relatives, police and staff paid their last respects. The last rites were performed later at the crematorium.
In recent years, incidents of leopards venturing into human settlements in Sattari have increased significantly. Due to scarcity of prey in forests, wild animals have begun targeting dogs, cats and livestock. Leopard sightings have also been captured on CCTV at several locations, creating fear among residents.
Locals say the Charavane-Thane road has witnessed frequent leopard movement. Following the death of Gawas, villagers have demanded immediate preventive measures from the forest department.
