Indian man lauded for heroism after fighting off a leopard that attacked him with bare hands

A man in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri district is being praised for his extraordinary bravery after surviving a surprise leopard attack while working at a brick kiln.

The dramatic incident unfolded on Monday, June 23, in Jugunpur village within the Dhaurahara forest range. It gained widespread attention after political leader Akhilesh Yadav posted video footage of the encounter online.

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According to forest officials, 35-year-old Mihilal, a resident of Girdhari Purwa, was performing his usual duties at the kiln, unaware that a leopard was hiding inside the chimney. As he neared the structure, the animal suddenly leapt out and attacked him.

Remarkably, Mihilal didn’t flee. Instead, he fought back with his bare hands, holding off the predator until nearby workers rushed in to help. They pelted the leopard with bricks and stones, ultimately driving it away into a nearby banana grove.

The forest department was quickly notified and launched a search operation. The leopard was eventually captured, though some officials sustained injuries during the effort.

Mihilal’s fearless response has drawn widespread admiration and has reignited discussions about the growing human-wildlife conflict in regions bordering forested areas.