Leopard attacks tourist through open window at Bannerghatta safari

Bengaluru : A chilling incident of a leopard attacking a tourist through an open window of a safari vehicle has been reported at the Bannerghatta National Park on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The victim, identified as Vahida  Banu (50), a resident of Chennai, sustained injuries in the attack.

Vahida Banu was on a wildlife safari ride operated by KSTDC, accompanied by her husband and son. The incident occurred when she reportedly opened the vehicle’s glass window to get a closer look at the animals. The leopard suddenly lunged onto the vehicle and clawed at her hand through the open window.

The terrifying encounter caused panic among the other occupants of the safari vehicle. The injured woman was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Jigani for treatment. Park officials are likely to tighten enforcement of safety regulations, which strictly prohibit tourists from opening windows or feeding animals during the safari ride, citing that the failure to adhere to these rules led to the unfortunate attack.

 On August 2025  before the current event, a 12-year-old boy was clawed by a leopard at the park. Officials stated that the boy had his hand in an “accessible place” near the window of a non-AC bus when a leopard climbed onto the vehicle.

  Park officials note that leopards and other big cats like to approach and climb onto safari buses out of curiosity or territorial instinct. This behavior, while terrifying for tourists, is considered natural. The mesh windows are intended to contain the animal’s actions and prevent contact with the passengers.

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