Schoolboy's Brave Stand Against Leopard in Maharashtra

An 11-year-old boy, Mayank Kuvara, bravely defended himself against a leopard attack with his friend by using rocks and making noise, causing the animal to retreat. The incident occurred in Maharashtra, and Kuvara is undergoing treatment for a hand injury. Authorities are implementing preventive measures to avoid future encounters.

An 11-year-old schoolboy's courageous actions have been lauded after he and a friend repelled a leopard attack in Maharashtra's Palghar district. The young boy, Mayank Kuvara, used his school bag as a shield and threw stones, raising an alarm that drove the predator away, according to officials on Saturday.

Kuvara, a fifth-grade student, was returning home from school when the leopard attacked near the Mala Padvipada area. With the help of another student, the two boys managed to scare off the wild animal with brave cries and stones, drawing the attention of nearby residents who rushed to their aid.

Authorities, including Resident Forest Officer Swapnil Mohite, assured that forest officials responded promptly. Preventive measures are being enforced, such as early school closures and installing AI-enabled cameras to monitor wildlife activity. Villages are alerted through traditional 'Davandi' announcements.

(With inputs from agencies.)