MSEDCL Technician Shanta Shelke Commended for Capturing Leopard in Pune
Rajgurunagar, 11th July 2024: Senior technician Shanta Shelke demonstrated the exceptional presence of mind by successfully capturing a leopard that had entered the meter test room of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) in Chandoli, Rajgurunagar taluka, Pune district. Today, Chief Engineer Rajendra Pawar felicitated Shelke at his office in Rasta Peth, commending her bravery and quick thinking.
The incident occurred at MSEDCL’s Rajgurunagar sub-divisional office, where the meter testing room and storeroom are located together. Shelke was preparing a meter test report yesterday morning when the leopard entered the room through the door. Despite being absorbed in her work, she became aware of the situation when she heard an employee shouting that a leopard had entered. Moments later, she noticed movement near the table and saw the leopard near a meter box.
With great presence of mind, Shelke slowly approached the door and carefully closed it from the outside, effectively trapping the leopard inside. Following this, police and Maharashtra Forest Department officials arrived and safely captured the leopard.
Reflecting on the incident, Shanta Shelke remarked, “The leopard entered through the door directly in front of where I was seated at the test room table. I was focused on my report and initially didn’t notice its presence. I heard someone mention ‘tiger’ vaguely from outside, and then there was a noise from the meter box beside me, where I spotted the leopard. Without raising an alarm, I swiftly moved to the door and secured it to prevent the leopard from escaping.”
In recognition of her courageous act, Senior Technician Shanta Shelke was honored by Chief Engineer Rajendra Pawar at the Rasta Peth office. The ceremony was attended by Assistant General Manager (Human Resources) Gyanada Nilekar, Executive Engineer Dhanraj Bikkad, Deputy Chief Industrial Relations Officer Shirish Katkar, and System Analyst Balkrishna Patil.
