Leopard Found Dead in MP’s Raisen Field, Probe On for Possible Poaching

A leopard was found dead after getting entangled in a wire fence in the Deori forest range of Raisen district on Saturday, officials said, with initial findings raising suspicion of possible poaching .

The carcass was discovered in Dungariya village , about 100 km from the district headquarters, after villagers spotted the animal early in the morning and alerted authorities. Forest officials, including Sub-Divisional Officer Sudhir Patle and Divisional Forest Officer Pratibha Shukla , reached the spot soon after.

Preliminary examination suggested the leopard died due to entanglement in a field boundary fence . However, officials also found a noose-like loop around its neck , prompting concerns that the animal may have been deliberately trapped. Shukla said the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after the post-mortem report . A veterinary team from Bhopal conducted the autopsy, and an investigation is underway to rule out poaching.

The case has drawn attention to wildlife protection laws, particularly the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, under which leopards are listed in Schedule I , affording them the highest level of protection . Hunting or poaching of such species can lead to imprisonment between three and seven years , along with fines.

Despite strict laws, wildlife crime remains a concern in India. Leopards are among the most vulnerable big cats due to their proximity to human settlements , with deaths often linked to poaching, accidental trapping, and human-wildlife conflict .

Officials said nearby areas are being scanned for evidence, and further action will depend on the post-mortem findings .