Palghar, Oct 29 (PTI) The forest department on Thursday said it has begun a probe into a man's claim that he was attacked by a leopard in Umroli area of Palghar on October 27.
Kailash Laxman Umtol, a resident of Tokrepada in Padgha, had claimed he sustained a leg injury in a leopard attack, following which a team visited the spot for panchnama, an official said.
"The team found electric poles and cut wires at the location, with some wires appearing to have been cut recently. Equipment, including cutters, was also recovered. While Umtol mentioned a leopard attack in his preliminary statement, no leopard pugmarks or footprints were found at the site," a release from the forest department said.
"Further inquiry into his statement will help clarify the exact cause. Compensation is granted only if it is proven that the injury was caused by a wild animal. No compensation is provided if the incident occurred while the individual was violating provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act," it added.
In the wake of the incident, the forest department has intensified patrolling in the area, the official added.
