Pune: A leopard and its two cubs attacked three consecutive motorcycles on Wedesday (February 12) late night at around 7:45 PM near the Khadakwadi cremation ground.

While the riders of the first two motorcycles managed to escape unscathed, 17-year-old Shreya Machhindra Doke, who was riding pillion on the third motorcycle, suffered a bite injury on her left leg. The siblings narrowly avoided further harm as the motorcycle sped away.

The victims were returning from a religious fair in Dhamani. Three motorcycles were traveling one after the other:

First motorcycle: Sachin Mali was riding alone.

Second motorcycle: Dinesh Balasaheb Ranpise was riding with his young child.

Third motorcycle: Omkar Machhindra Doke was riding with his sister Shreya as the pillion rider.

As they passed the cremation ground on the Khadakwadi-Pondewadi road, the leopard and its cubs attacked the first motorcycle. Sachin Mali managed to evade the attack and sped away. The leopard then targeted Dinesh Ranpise’s motorcycle, but he too escaped.

However, the third motorcycle carrying Omkar and Shreya Doke was unable to avoid the leopard's attack. The leopard bit Shreya’s left leg, causing injuries. Omkar quickly accelerated, preventing further harm.

Shreya Doke was taken to Dr. Rasik Kale’s hospital in Loni, where she received first aid. Forest Officer Sonal Bhalerao and members of the Leopard Rapid Response Team arrived at the scene and later shifted her to the Manchar Sub-District Hospital for further treatment.

Since the leopardess and her two cubs remain in the vicinity, locals have been advised to exercise extreme caution. Former Sarpanch Anil Doke and Deputy Sarpanch Eknath Sukre have urged residents to stay alert when stepping out of their homes or going to the fields, as repeated leopard sightings have been reported in the area.