Radio-collared leopard found dead in Yeoor forest; suspects believed to have fled the scene as soon as officials arrive to investigate; officials examine key evidence, call records, and mobile data to probe possible poaching angle
As forest officials and researchers reach the spot, they notice a group of men sitting unusually close to the lifeless leopard, making the situation suspicious. Illustrations/Uday Mohite
During the probe into a radio-collared leopard’s death in the Nagla block of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), officials spotted four to five men near the carcass. The suspects fled on seeing the team, leaving behind a bag that has become a crucial lead.
Key lead
A distress signal from deep inside the forest — a radio-collared leopard is found lying motionless, raising concern among officials
A forest department official said, “When the team of researchers and officials reached the location where the radio-collared leopard was lying, a few individuals were seen in proximity to the animal. They fled the scene on spotting the team. A bag recovered from the spot has provided crucial leads. Call detail records of four suspects have been sought, and the investigation is ongoing.”
Earlier findings
The moment the men spot the team approaching, they panic and run into the forest, leaving behind a bag that draws attention
The male leopard, rescued from Bhayandar in December and later released into SGNP, was found dead in early February in the Yeoor forest. Initial assessments had ruled out poaching as all body parts — whiskers, nails, claws, and teeth — were intact. A post-mortem was conducted, and samples were sent for further testing.
Cause of death
The abandoned bag turns into a key clue, hinting that this may not be a natural death but something far more serious
Preliminary post-mortem findings suggest the leopard died due to hypovolemic shock, a condition caused by severe loss of blood or body fluids. Visible injuries (gross lesions) were noted during examination, indicating physical trauma.
A full investigation is launched — four suspects are identified, and officials begin tracking call records and mobile data as a possible poaching angle is examined
Bhayandar leopard case timeline
Dec 19, 2025 Leopard rescued from Bhayandar, kept under observation at SGNP
Dec 25, 2025 Radio-collared and released in the Nagla area, Yeoor forest
Dec 25-Jan 5 Movement tracked; animal appeared healthy
Feb 3, 2026 Mortality signal received; carcass found
Feb 4, 2026 Post-mortem conducted, samples sent for analysis
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