The North News
Shimla, March 11
An 18-year-old student in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh fought off an attacking leopard with his bare hands and killed it by smashing its jaws with stones. The second-year student of an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) was taken to Arki hospital on Monday and discharged the same day after treatment. Forest officials later awarded him ₹5,000 as immediate relief and in recognition of his bravery.
The incident occurred around 7 am on Monday when Pravesh Sharma was crossing the fields in Sarli village in Arki to get milk.
Recounting the harrowing incident, Sharma said the attack occurred a few meters from his house. He grabbed the leopard by its jaws, trying desperately to prevent the animal from getting a hold of his neck.
The man said that he smashed the leopard’s jaws and claws with stones after a struggle lasting over 10 minutes, all the while shouting for help. He sustained multiple injuries on his hands, shoulders, legs, arms and face.
He was taken to the Arki hospital and discharged the same day after treatment.
This was not the first leopard attack in the area. A biker was attacked on March 6, following which the villagers lodged a complaint with the forest officials and asked them to set up trap cages.
In December 2025, one person was killed, and nine others were injured in leopard attacks in Chandyal, Badhyal and Malvana villages in the Balh area of Mandi district. The leopard was killed by the villagers.
