Leopard Found Decapitated: Paws Missing in Maharashtra Mystery

In the Barad Shivar area of Matyapur village, Satara, the discovery of a leopard carcass in a sugarcane field has raised significant concern among local residents. The animal, believed to have died three to four days before being found, was missing all four of its paws, with a total of 18 claws removed. This grim finding, noted by forest officials, has prompted an immediate investigation.

Forest range officer Sandeep Jopale and his team rushed to the scene upon receiving the report. A panchnama was conducted, and the carcass was secured for detailed examination. While the leopard's teeth and whiskers were intact, the absence of its paws fuels suspicions of poaching activities. Officials are exploring motives ranging from illegal wildlife trade to ritualistic practices.

Amol Satpute, the deputy conservator of forests in Satara, stated that the post-mortem report did not indicate poisoning or direct killing. The evidence suggests the paws were severed after the animal's death. A case has been registered, and the investigation is actively continuing to uncover the circumstances surrounding this mysterious and disturbing incident.