Tumakuru, Karnataka | August 23, 2026

Three men have been arrested in Tumakuru district of Karnataka after a leopard that reportedly became trapped in an illegal wire snare was allegedly burnt instead of being reported to the Forest Department.

The incident came to light after a video showing the leopard carcass being burnt was circulated on social media, triggering widespread outrage and prompting the Forest Department to launch an investigation.

Leopard caught in farm trap

According to forest officials, farmer Narayanappa had put up a wire trap around his ragi field in Gauragondanahalli village to prevent wild animals from damaging his crop.

The leopard reportedly became caught in the trap and died. Instead of informing forest officials, Narayanappa, G.D. Shivakumar and Chandrashekar allegedly disposed of the carcass by setting it on fire, with some local youngsters recording the incident on their mobile phones.

Officials said the farm had reportedly suffered damage from wild animals including wild boar, peafowl and leopards, leaving the farmer frustrated over crop losses.

Video leads to arrests

After the video surfaced, Forest Department personnel traced those allegedly involved and seized the burnt remains of the leopard.

Assistant Conservator of Forests V. Pavithra said the three accused were arrested and produced before a court after medical examination. They have reportedly been remanded in judicial custody.

The recovered remains have been confirmed as those of a leopard. They have been sent for further forensic examination, while specialists are expected to conduct additional tests to establish the circumstances surrounding the animal’s death. Officials have not ruled out further arrests as the investigation progresses.

Wildlife Protection Act invoked

A case has been registered under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Forest officials said offences involving the killing, trapping or harming of protected wildlife can attract severe penalties, including imprisonment.

The incident has also highlighted the danger posed by illegal snares and wire traps in farmland located close to wildlife habitat. Such traps can injure or kill not only animals targeted by farmers but also protected species such as leopards.

Forest authorities have urged farmers and villagers not to set illegal traps. If a wild animal becomes trapped, injured or is found dead, the Forest Department should be informed immediately so that trained personnel can respond and investigate.

The Tumakuru case once again underlines the difficult balance between crop protection and wildlife conservation, and the potentially serious consequences when communities attempt to handle protected wild animals without involving the authorities.