n an unexpected and tragic event near Corbett National Park, located along the Uttar Pradesh Highway, a young man and a leopard lost their lives in a startling collision. The incident, which has left many shocked, occurred late Thursday night in Thakurdwara, a region within Moradabad district. Sajid Ali, 29, was riding his motorcycle when he collided with a leopard, setting off a series of unfortunate events that resulted in the death of both the biker and the wild animal.

Biker Leopard Accident in Uttar Pradesh

The scene of the accident was described as chilling by eyewitnesses. According to reports, Sajid Ali was en route to Launki Khurd village when a leopard emerged from the dense vegetation bordering the highway. The animal, later identified as a two-year-old female leopard, attempted to cross the road but collided with Ali’s speeding bike. The force of the collision left both the biker and the leopard critically injured. However, in a bizarre turn of events, the leopard reportedly attacked Ali in its final moments, inflicting additional injuries.

A video captured by a commuter, which has since gone viral, shows the grim aftermath. The footage depicts the leopard’s lifeless body lying in the middle of the road, its paws and jaws stained with blood. Sajid Ali’s body is seen nearby in a pool of blood, while distressed onlookers discuss the shocking sequence of events. One witness remarked that the wounded leopard, despite its injuries, managed to pounce on the biker in an apparent defensive response.

Official Statements from Authorities

Vivek Sharma, the SHO of Thakurdwara police station, provided a detailed account of the incident. “The accident took place late Thursday night. Sajid Ali was on his motorcycle when he collided with a leopard that had strayed onto the highway. Unfortunately, both succumbed to their injuries,” he said.

Sharma added that both bodies were sent for postmortem examinations to confirm the exact causes of death. Preliminary reports revealed that the leopard suffered a fatal head injury, while Ali’s injuries included a similar head wound and additional trauma. “We are awaiting the detailed autopsy report for further clarity on the exact sequence of events,” Sharma noted.

Wildlife Intrusions: A Growing Concern

Thakurdwara, located approximately 15-20 kilometers from Kashipur town in Uttarakhand, is an area prone to wildlife straying onto highways. According to forest officials, the periphery of the forests often becomes a pathway for wild animals searching for food or territory. Unfortunately, such intrusions have led to an increasing number of accidents involving both humans and wildlife.

A forest officer involved in the investigation explained, “The area is known for occasional wildlife movement. Wild animals, including leopards, often stray onto the road, particularly at night. This incident highlights the pressing need for better measures to prevent such occurrences.”

The tragic accident on the UP Highway near Corbett National Park has raised critical questions about road safety and wildlife conservation. Sajid Ali’s untimely death and the loss of a young leopard highlight the urgent need for infrastructural and policy changes to ensure the safety of both humans and animals. As the community mourns this unfortunate event, it is crucial to take proactive steps to prevent such tragedies in the future.