India, Nov. 17 -- The Maharashtra Forest Department shot dead a leopard in Ahilyanagar district on Friday after it was declared a man-eater responsible for two deaths in 15 days. The animal was killed during a coordinated operation involving specialised sharpshooters and forest officers.

Forest minister Ganesh Naik had earlier directed forest officials to eliminate the leopard if it was confirmed to be a man-eater. Following this, the principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) and chief wildlife warden MS Reddy issued permission on November 10 to neutralise the animal, an official from the forest department said. The order came after two fatal attacks believed to have been carried out by the same leopard.

Subsequently, rescue tea...