A Chennai woman was injured after a leopard allegedly tried to attack her through the mesh window of a safari bus in Bengaluru's Bannerghatta National
Park on Thursday (November 13), the officials told PTI news agency. The 56-year-old woman, identified as Vahitha Banu, was immediately given first aid and later shifted to a private hospital for further treatment. The incident occurred at around 1 pm during a leopard safari trip, the officials said. “Vahitha Banu was seated by the window when the leopard suddenly lunged towards the vehicle. Though she tried to move back quickly, it clawed her hand, causing bleeding,” a park staff member told TOI.
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Bannerghatta Safari Turns Tense as Leopard Climbs onto Tourist Bus; Swift Action Ensures Safety, Chennai Woman Stable
Around 1 PM, an unexpected incident took place at Bannerghatta National Park in Bengaluru, when a leopard leapt onto a safari bus, slightly injuring a woman… pic.twitter.com/4i9osIJQUR— Karnataka Portfolio (@karnatakaportf) November 13, 2025
A video of the incident was shared on social media, showing the leopard climbing onto the safari bus and pawing through the window in an attempt to attack the woman.
According to officials, the safari buses in the park are fitted with metal wire mesh on their windows and openings to prevent animals from coming into direct contact with visitors. However, the leopard's paw had reached through a small gap in the mesh.
"The woman received scratch injuries to her hand and was given first aid. She was shifted to a private hospital for treatment and is stated to be doing fine," an official told PTI.
Also Read: Pune: Leopard Jumps on Moving Car, Crashes Hard, Left Paralysed for Life | VIDEO
Not the first leopard attack
In three months, it is the second leopard-related incident. On August 15, a 12-year-old boy suffered scratches when a leopard brushed its claws against the window grills of a safari bus.
All the safari drivers were warned about a previous leopard attack and were instructed to follow precautionary safety measures during the leopard safari, according to an official statement.
"However, the authorities are reviewing the incident and the non-AC bus safari will be stopped indefinitely till further communication, and the buses will be assessed for complete safety during the downtime. Inconvenience caused to visitors is regretted," it added.
