Shimla, Mar 11: An 18-year-old student in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, fought off a leopard bare-handed, smashing its jaws with stones and killing the animal.
The second-year Industrial Training Institute (ITI) student, Pravesh Sharma, was rushed to Arki Hospital on Monday and discharged the same day after receiving treatment. Forest officials awarded him ₹5,000 as immediate relief and in recognition of his bravery.
The incident occurred around 7 am when Sharma was crossing fields in Sarli village, Arki, to fetch milk. He said the leopard attacked him just a few meters from his home, and he grabbed its jaws to prevent it from reaching his neck.
Sharma recounted that the struggle lasted over 10 minutes, during which he struck the leopard’s jaws and claws with stones while calling for help. He sustained multiple injuries to his hands, arms, shoulders, legs, and face.
This was not the first leopard attack in the area. On March 6, a biker was attacked, prompting villagers to lodge a complaint with forest officials and request the setup of trap cages.
In December 2025, one person was killed and nine others injured in leopard attacks in Chandyal, Badhyal, and Malvana villages in Mandi district. The leopard responsible for that incident was killed by villagers. (Agency)
