Father battles leopard to save son in Gujarat, kills wild animal after fierce fight

Ahmedabad, : In a rare act of extraordinary courage, a 60-year-old farmer fought a ferocious leopard with a sickle and spear to save the life of his son in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district. The dramatic incident, which unfolded on the night of January 28, has left the local community stunned and earned the elderly man widespread admiration for his bravery.

The incident occurred around 10 pm near Gangra village in Una taluk, where Babubhai Naranbhai Vaja lives with his family. According to reports, Babubhai was sitting in the veranda of his farmhouse when a leopard suddenly entered the premises and attacked him without warning. Taking advantage of the darkness, the wild animal pounced on him, biting his neck and arm.

Hearing his father’s desperate screams, 27-year-old Shardul rushed out of the house to help. However, as soon as he tried to intervene, the leopard released Babubhai and turned on the young man, grabbing him in its powerful jaws. Seeing his son in mortal danger, the elderly farmer showed remarkable presence of mind and courage.

Without caring for his own injuries, Babubhai picked up a spear and a sickle that were lying in the courtyard and launched a counterattack on the leopard. A fierce struggle followed, with the animal repeatedly trying to overpower both father and son. Despite being severely injured, Babubhai continued to fight relentlessly to save his child.

After several tense minutes, the determined father managed to inflict fatal injuries on the leopard using the sickle and spear. The animal eventually collapsed and died on the spot, bringing the terrifying ordeal to an end.

Recounting the incident later, Babubhai told media persons, “I was sitting outside when the leopard suddenly attacked me. I shouted for my son. When he came out, the leopard caught hold of him. I had no option but to fight back. I hit the animal with whatever I could find and somehow managed to kill it.”

Both father and son sustained serious injuries in the encounter. They were initially rushed to the government hospital in Una for first aid and later shifted to a private hospital for advanced treatment. Doctors said Babubhai required more than 50 stitches, while Shardul also suffered deep wounds. Both are currently recovering under medical supervision.

Officials from the Forest Department reached the spot soon after receiving information. They seized the weapons used in the incident and sent the leopard’s carcass for post-mortem examination.

Since the leopard is a protected wild animal, the Forest Department has registered a case under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and initiated an inquiry into the circumstances of the incident.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing human-wildlife conflict in parts of Gujarat, while also showcasing a father’s fearless determination to protect his son at any cost.