Valpoi: A 59-year-old resident of Charavane who was attacked by a leopard between Thane and Charavane in Sattari taluka on Friday evening succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.Yashwant Gawas, who works as a mechanic at the state police headquarters, was returning home from duty on his scooter when he was attacked by a wild animal.A girl from his village, whom he offered a lift to, escaped with minor injuries. According to villagers, the sudden attack by the leopard caused both to lose balance and fall off the scooter. Locals rushed to their rescue, and both were taken to the Valpoi community health centre.The girl was discharged the same day, but Gawas, having sustained a major head injury, was transferred to the GMC. He, however, succumbed to his injuries late Monday evening.The death has triggered anger and fear across the rural belt of Sattari. Residents say the stretch of road where the attack occurred is frequented by wild animals at night.In the past, locals have reported repeated sightings of leopards roaming near human settlements and allegedly attacking domestic animals such as dogs and calves.Residents have expressed serious concerns about the safety of children, elderly persons, and livestock. They have urged the forest department to intensify patrolling especially at night, install surveillance systems in the area and take immediate preventive measures to prevent any further loss of life.
