Pratap Singh Chundawat rescued a leopard from a well. He died in the line of duty, aged 40

On April 9, a farmer named Rupalal heard noises coming from a well on his property in Dhawadi village, Rajasthan, India. Upon investigation, he discovered a leopard trapped 21 meters (70 feet) below. A team from the Rajasthan Forest Department arrived and attempted to rescue the animal by lowering a cage into the well. However, the leopard refused to enter the cage, so Pratap Singh Chundawat, a forest ranger, decided to descend into the well via rope.

He used a tranquilizer dart gun to sedate the leopard, allowing the team to safely remove it and release it back into the wild. Before its release, the leopard was examined by a veterinarian, who determined it was a healthy, one-and-a-half-year-old male.

Chundawat's job often involved wildlife rescues, and he was well known for his dedication to conservation efforts. He had also been involved in tree nurseries and had won awards at both the district and division levels. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to forest and wildlife conservation, Chundawat was honored by the Rajasthan Environment and Energy Conservation Centre on the eve of World Environment Day in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan.

Chundawat tragically lost his life on September 22, after being struck down by individuals allegedly involved in a local soil mining mafia. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on September 21, when forest staff received a notification about an earthmover and a truck operating in the area. Chundawat's death has been attributed to his involvement in protecting wildlife and maintaining his commitment to his community.