Leopard Attack in Uttar Pradesh: Labourer’s Brave Fight Captured on Video

Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh | June 26, 2025

In a heart-stopping incident in Baburi village, Lakhimpur Kheri district, a labourer named Mihilal Gautam displayed extraordinary courage when he fought off a leopard with his bare hands after a sudden attack at a brick kiln. The dramatic encounter, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, was captured on video and has since gone viral, sparking discussions about human-wildlife conflict in the region.

Background: Rising Human-Wildlife Conflict

Lakhimpur Kheri, located near the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, has witnessed a growing number of wildlife intrusions into human settlements in recent years. The reserve, a biodiversity hotspot, is home to leopards, tigers, and other wildlife. Rapid deforestation, expanding agricultural activities, and shrinking natural habitats have pushed animals closer to villages, leading to increased encounters. According to the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, leopard sightings in rural areas have risen by 15% over the past three years, with several incidents reported in 2025 alone.

This incident follows a similar attack on June 21 in Tamil Nadu, where a leopard from the Anamalai Tiger Reserve abducted a young girl, who remains missing. Another attack in Uttar Pradesh’s Udham Singh Nagar district left a 45-year-old farmer injured while working in his paddy field. These events highlight the urgent need for effective wildlife management and community awareness to mitigate such conflicts.

What Happened: A Breakdown of the Incident

The Attack

On June 24, 2025, Mihilal Gautam, a 38-year-old labourer, was collecting ash at a brick kiln in Baburi village, under Dhaurahara tehsil, when a leopard emerged from nearby sugarcane fields and pounced on him. The sudden attack caught Mihilal off guard, but he quickly retaliated, grappling with the animal in a desperate bid to survive. The struggle, which lasted several minutes, left Mihilal with injuries to his arms and torso.

Community Response

As the confrontation unfolded, other workers at the kiln sprang into action. Standing atop the kiln, they hurled bricks and stones at the leopard, attempting to drive it away. Their efforts, combined with Mihilal’s resistance, eventually forced the leopard to flee, but not before it injured four other individuals at the site.

Viral Video

The incident was recorded by a bystander and shared on X by journalist Ashutosh Tripathi. The chilling footage shows Mihilal locked in a fierce struggle with the leopard, his hands gripping the animal as onlookers shout and throw objects to scare it off. The video, captioned, “In Baburi village of Lakhimpur, a leopard attacked a labourer working at a brick kiln; the labourer fought with the leopard and ultimately saved his own life,” has garnered widespread attention, with viewers praising Mihilal’s bravery.

Immediate Aftermath

Mihilal was rushed to a local hospital for preliminary treatment before being transferred to the district hospital. Medical officials report that he is stable but will require further care for his injuries. The four other injured individuals received treatment for minor wounds and are recovering.

Forest Department’s Response

Forest Department officials were promptly notified and arrived at the scene within hours. Using tranquilizers, they successfully captured the leopard, which is believed to have strayed from the nearby Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. The animal has been relocated to a wildlife rehabilitation center for assessment. Authorities are investigating whether habitat loss or food scarcity drove the leopard into the village.

“We are working to ensure such incidents are minimized,” said a Forest Department spokesperson. “We urge residents to report wildlife sightings immediately and avoid working alone in areas close to forests.”

Community Concerns and Safety Measures

The attack has heightened fears among Baburi’s residents, many of whom rely on agriculture and manual labor for their livelihoods. Farmers in the region have reported avoiding their fields due to frequent leopard sightings, impacting their income. Local leaders have called for stronger measures, including fencing around vulnerable areas and awareness campaigns to educate villagers on coexisting with wildlife.

The Forest Department has announced plans to install additional monitoring systems around the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and conduct community outreach programs to address safety concerns. Experts suggest that restoring wildlife corridors and controlling human encroachment into forest areas could reduce such conflicts in the long term.

Why This Matters

Mihilal Gautam’s courage in the face of danger underscores the resilience of individuals in rural India, where human-wildlife encounters are becoming more common. However, these incidents also highlight the broader challenge of balancing conservation efforts with human safety. As urban and agricultural expansion continues to encroach on natural habitats, proactive measures are essential to protect both communities and wildlife.

For now, Mihilal’s story is a testament to human bravery and a reminder of the delicate coexistence between