Leopard Shot Dead in Mysuru as Karnataka Forest Minister Orders Probe

A two-year-old female leopard was allegedly shot dead in the Koppa section of Periyapatna, Hunsur division, Mysuru district , raising serious concerns about wildlife poaching and forest surveillance .

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre described the killing as “ very painful ” and emphasised that poaching for wildlife organs continues to be a serious threat. He has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and instructed authorities to identify and punish the guilty under the law.

A postmortem report confirmed that the leopard had three bullets lodged in its body. Following this, Khandre issued written instructions to the Chief Wildlife Warden to ensure a detailed inquiry, take disciplinary action against any patrolling personnel if lapses were found, and strengthen anti-poaching measures in the area.

Officials noted that the incident exposed gaps in forest surveillance , as poachers were able to operate in a monitored area. The minister stressed the need for accountability among forest staff and enhanced monitoring systems , including better patrolling and use of technology, to prevent such incidents in the future.

Experts highlight that the killing of a leopard, an apex predator , has broader ecological implications , potentially disrupting the local ecosystem and increasing human-wildlife conflicts . The incident underscores that protecting wildlife requires not only conservation efforts but also stricter enforcement of laws and vigilant monitoring.

The minister’s office confirmed that the investigation will be conducted urgently , with a focus on punishing poachers and ensuring that such lapses in forest protection do not recur.