Madhya Pradesh Boy, 13, Fights Off Leopard Attack with Bare Hands

A 13-year-old boy in Madhya Pradesh's Kursi Khapa village has survived a leopard attack after fighting back with his bare hands, according to forest officials and eyewitnesses. The incident occurred on Saturday evening near a farm well, where the boy, Satyam Thakur, was playing when the leopard emerged from nearby bushes and attacked him.

Satyam recalled the incident from his hospital bed, saying he caught hold of the leopard's neck and screamed loudly, prompting his family members to rush to the spot and chase the animal away.

Forest officials said a team was sent immediately after receiving information about the incident, and the boy was taken to Pipariya Government Hospital, where doctors confirmed that his condition is stable.

The boy's father, Mahendra Singh Thakur, said his son was holding the leopard by its neck when he and other family members reached the spot, and they shouted and rushed forward, causing the leopard to flee into the forest.

The forest department has provided immediate financial assistance of Rs 1,000 to the family, with additional support promised, and officials have noted that while leopard movement is not uncommon in villages bordering forest areas, such close encounters involving children are rare. The boy is expected to receive further medical treatment and the forest department will continue to monitor the situation.