A tense fight for survival unfolded on the outskirts of a village in Gir Somnath district of Gujarat late on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) evening, when a 60-year-old farmer fought off a leopard with a sickle and a spear after the predator allegedly pounced on him and his son, forest officials said on Thursday (January 29, 2026).
The farmer, Babu Naranbhai Vaja, and his 27-year-old son, Shardul, sustained severe injuries in the attack before killing the leopard near their home on a wheat farm in Gangda village. They remain under treatment at a private hospital in Una.
The farmer, Babu Naranbhai Vaja, and his 27-year-old son, Shardul, were attacked in their home on a wheat farm in Gangda village. Both sustained severe injuries in the attack before killing the leopard. They were rushed to the Una Government Hospital and later shifted to a private hospital in Una, where they remain under treatment.
The Jasadhar Range Forest Officer, L.B. Bharwad, told The Hindu that a case had been registered against Mr. Vaja under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, for killing the protected animal. He added that the carcass had been sent for post-mortem examination, and the report was expected on Friday (January 30, 2026).
