Bengaluru, Karnataka – A series of leopard deaths on the outskirts of Bengaluru has triggered a major controversy, after a local MLA alleged that four leopards, including a pregnant female and her unborn cubs, were killed due to powerful blasts from illegal rock‑quarry operations near forested areas.

Pregnant Leopard Found Dead Near Basavanatara Forest

Forest staff from the Kaggalipura range under the Bengaluru City division discovered the carcass of a 3–4‑year‑old female leopard in the Basavanatara forest area on December 27, 2025, during a routine patrol.

A post‑mortem revealed that the animal was pregnant with three cubs, all of whom died, and initial findings suggested that the leopard may have been fatally struck by debris from a heavy stone blast at a nearby quarry.

MLA Alleges 4 Leopard Deaths Linked to Illegal Blasting

Former minister and Yeshwanthpur MLA S. T. Somashekar claimed that the Basavanatara incident is not isolated, alleging that around four leopards have died recently in his Assembly constituency due to ongoing illegal rock blasting across vast rocky stretches under Chikkanahalli gram panchayat.

He accused officials in the Mines & Geology and Forest departments of ignoring repeated complaints about illegal quarrying, and warned of protests if immediate action is not taken to halt blasting and protect wildlife habitats.

Forest Minister Orders Probe, FIR Registered

Responding to the outcry, Karnataka Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre ordered a comprehensive investigation into whether quarrying or mining activity is happening inside or adjacent to forest land and directed that strict legal action be taken if violations are confirmed.

Khandre said an FIR has already been registered in connection with the death of the female leopard, and instructed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Chief Wildlife Warden to conduct a detailed probe and submit a report on the impact of quarry blasts on wildlife in the region.

Wildlife and Environment Groups Raise Alarm

Wildlife activists and environmental organisations have condemned the deaths, arguing that leopards and other species are increasingly being pushed into conflict or killed because of unregulated mining and fragmentation of forest corridors around Bengaluru and Ramanagara.

They have demanded an immediate halt to blasting near eco‑sensitive zones, independent environmental audits of quarry leases, creation of safe buffer zones around forests, and stronger enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act and Forest Conservation rules.

Larger Questions on Quarrying Near Forests

The leopard tragedy has renewed debate over the environmental cost of quarrying in Karnataka, which has seen repeated controversies over mining in and around protected areas, including previous cases of big‑cat deaths near quarries and suspected poisoning incidents.

Conservationists warn that unless the state revisits quarry approvals, strengthens monitoring, and restores degraded forest edges, leopards and other wildlife around Bengaluru will continue to pay the price for illegal and poorly regulated blasting.

Last updated: January 02, 2026