9-Year-Old Boy Killed in Suspected Leopard Attack in Gujarat's Bhavnagar

A nine-year-old boy was killed in a suspected leopard attack in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district on Tuesday evening, triggering fresh concerns over increasing human-wildlife conflict in the region, where residents say similar fatal encounters have been reported in recent days.

The incident occurred near Bambhaniya village in Mahuva taluka, where the child had gone towards agricultural fields before he was allegedly attacked by a wild animal.

Child found after search by family, villagers

According to police, Nitya Gondaliya left his home at around 5.30 pm and was heading towards fields near Mobhiyana village.

When he failed to return, his family members, joined by villagers, launched a search across nearby farmland and adjoining forest areas.

Police said the attack is believed to have taken place at around 6.30 pm.

Animal yet to be identified

During the search, villagers reported seeing two wild animals, including what appeared to be a leopard cub.

However, forest officials have not confirmed whether the attack was carried out by a leopard or a lion.

As there were no CCTV cameras in the area, investigators are relying on physical evidence to establish what happened.

Forest department examining evidence

After an extensive search, the child was found with severe injuries and was taken for medical treatment, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

According to police, the boy had sustained multiple injuries, including a torn left leg, scratches across his body, injuries to his neck and elbow, and extensive head injuries.

Forest department officials have begun an investigation and are examining footprints, photographs and other evidence to identify the animal responsible for the attack.

Family recounts search

The victim's father, Prakash Gondaliya, said the family searched the village before moving towards nearby fields and forest areas.

"When I came home, my son was not there. We searched the village and then went towards the forest and farms, where we found him," he said.

A relative of the family claimed this was the third such incident reported in the area in recent days, although officials have not independently confirmed that assertion.

The latest incident has left residents of Bambhaniya village shaken and renewed concerns over the growing frequency of encounters between people and wild animals in parts of Bhavnagar district.