Daijiworld Media Network - Jalgaon

Jalgaon, Jul 22: NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Eknath Khadse has approached a court against Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Chandrakant Patil, alleging that the legislator assaulted and injured a leopard during a rescue operation in Muktainagar earlier this year.

Khadse had earlier raised the issue during the Maharashtra Assembly session, accusing the Muktainagar MLA of beating the leopard while forest officials were attempting to capture it.

Responding to the allegation, Patil had maintained that the leopard was attempting to enter a residential area and that he had only waved a stick to prevent the animal from moving into the village.

The incident dates back to April 12, 2026, when a leopard entered a government guest house in Muktainagar. Forest department officials launched a rescue operation and attempted to tranquilise the animal. However, the tranquilliser reportedly failed to subdue the leopard, which then moved towards the nearby residential area.

Khadse has alleged that during the rescue operation, Patil assaulted the leopard, causing injuries to the animal. The forest department later succeeded in rescuing the leopard.

Following the Assembly debate on the issue, Khadse has now filed a petition before the court seeking action against the MLA.

According to the petitioner's counsel, the next hearing has been scheduled for August 21. The court has directed both the concerned forest officer and MLA Chandrakant Patil to remain present during the hearing.

The court proceedings are expected to determine whether further legal action will be initiated against the legislator over the alleged assault on the protected wild animal.