A 4-year-old girl was killed in Vajli village of Pauri Garhwal after a leopard entered the area and dragged her from her home courtyard. The incident triggered an intense protest, with villagers demanding immediate action from the Forest Department and the arrival of Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal.
The village is located near Khandyusain on the Pauri–Devprayag motor road, about 8 kilometres from Pauri district headquarters. The attack has heightened fear among residents, who say children are no longer safe even near their homes.
Girl dragged into bushes
The incident took place at around 6:00 evening on Tuesday, when 4-year-old Aarushi was playing in the courtyard. Her 7-year-old brother, Aryan, was also present and reportedly saw the leopard attack her and drag her away.
Family members raised an alarm, prompting nearby residents to begin a search. After a prolonged effort, Aarushi’s body was found in bushes about 100 metres from the house.
Residents said they had seen the leopard moving through the village earlier that day. They also reported that the animal tried to lunge at another girl during the incident. She managed to reach a house and raise an alarm before the leopard fled.
The attack left residents distressed and angry. Women in the village said they were afraid to let their children go outside alone. Villagers began protesting against the Forest Department and the government, demanding stronger protection and an immediate operation to capture the animal.
MLA confronted during protest
Pauri MLA Rajkumar Pori reached Vajli at around 8:00 to meet the bereaved family. Angry residents surrounded him and raised slogans against the government and the Forest Department. Congress workers also reached the site and joined the protest.
Pori initially tried to speak with the villagers. With police assistance, he later sat on the ground and listened to their concerns. Residents insisted that Subodh Uniyal be contacted directly because they wanted the minister to hear their complaints about repeated leopard attacks in the district.
Under pressure from the crowd, the MLA called the forest minister. Villagers asked for the phone to be placed on speaker so they could speak directly with Uniyal. The conversation could not be heard clearly because of the noise, and the call ended. This further aggravated the crowd.
Police personnel then helped the MLA sit inside his car. Villagers surrounded the vehicle, leaving him inside for about one hour while officers tried to calm the situation.
A senior woman climbed onto the bonnet and struck the vehicle with her feet. Other women also climbed onto the car as protesters shouted slogans including “Pauri MLA, be ashamed” and “Forest Minister, come to Pauri”. Police eventually brought the crowd under control and helped the MLA leave safely.
Before his departure, the forest minister was contacted again in front of the villagers. According to the report, Uniyal gave information that instructions had been issued for prompt action.
Forest Department seeks declaration
Villagers demanded an immediate operation to capture the leopard, increased patrolling and stronger safety arrangements in affected areas. They said assurances after each attack would not resolve the continuing threat.
A Forest Department team reached the area after the incident and began patrolling while monitoring the leopard’s movements. Garhwal DFO Mahatim Yadav said a letter had been sent to the chief wildlife warden seeking that the leopard be declared a man-eater. Senior officials were also informed.
The report said 30 people had died in tiger and leopard attacks in Uttarakhand so far this year, with Pauri among the districts facing significant concern. Shortly after the Vajli incident, a leopard reportedly attacked a 7-year-old girl in Kotdwar, also in Pauri district. She survived the attack.
Conclusion
The confirmed local development is the death of Aarushi in a leopard attack near Pauri, followed by an angry protest and demands for urgent capture efforts, increased patrolling and official intervention. The Forest Department has sought a declaration concerning the leopard and begun monitoring activity in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where did the fatal leopard attack occur?
The attack occurred in Vajli village near Khandyusain on the Pauri–Devprayag motor road in Pauri Garhwal.
Q. How old was the girl who died?
Aarushi was 4 years old.
Q. Where was the girl attacked?
She was attacked while playing in the courtyard of her home.
Q. How far was the leopard’s body recovery site from the house?
Her body was found in bushes about 100 metres from the house.
Q. Why did villagers surround the MLA’s car?
Residents were demanding immediate action against the leopard and wanted Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal to address their concerns directly.
Q. How long did the MLA remain inside the car?
Rajkumar Pori remained inside his car for about one hour while police tried to manage the crowd.
Q. What action has the Forest Department reported?
The department began patrolling and monitoring the leopard’s movements. The Garhwal DFO also said a request had been sent to the chief wildlife warden to declare the leopard a man-eater.
Q. Was another child attacked in the area?
Residents said the leopard tried to lunge at another girl, but she reached a house in time and survived.
