Priest killed in suspected leopard attack in Magadi; villagers demand action

A 60-year-old farmer and temple priest was found dead in his agricultural field following a suspected leopard attack at Kalludevanahalli village of Magadi taluk on Monday (October 12) morning.

The deceased, Shivaswamy, was a priest at the village’s Mahadeshwara Swamy Temple. He had gone to his field around 6.30 a.m. to pluck flowers when the incident occurred.

A neighbouring farmer who arrived at the field around 7.30 a.m. found Shivaswamy lying in a pool of blood and alerted his family. The family members rushed to the spot and found him dead.

The incident triggered anger among villagers, who staged a protest against the Forest Department, accusing it of failing to prevent leopard attacks in the area. They said cattle had been attacked by a leopard a few days earlier and alleged that the Department had failed to take adequate preventive measures despite the threat.

Demanding immediate action, the protesters urged the authorities to capture the animal. Some villagers also demanded that the leopard be shot dead to prevent further attacks. They urged the authorities to provide appropriate compensation to the family and take permanent measures to address the leopard menace.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Ramakrishnappa and Range Forest Officer Nethravathi visited the spot and inspected the area. Forest officials assured the family that compensation would be provided as per the rules and that steps would be taken immediately to capture the suspected leopard.

The police have filed an Unnatural Death Report (UDR). The exact cause of death is subject to confirmation following the postmortem examination.