A fierce fight for life broke out on Wednesday evening near a village in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district. Babu Naranbhai Vaja, 60, and his son Shardul, 27, were attacked by a leopard at their wheat farm in Gangda village. Both suffered severe injuries but managed to kill the predator using a sickle and spear. They were first taken to Una Government Hospital and then shifted to a private hospital in Una. Forest Officer L.B. Bharwad told The Hindu a case was filed against Mr. Vaja under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, because the leopard is a protected animal. The carcass was sent for post-mortem, with results expected by Friday, January 30. The attack happened late at night while Mr. Vaja was sleeping on his verandah, about 80 km from Veraval town. Officials believe the leopard came from nearby fields and suddenly pounced. They are investigating if the animal attacked first or if the farmer and his son provoked it by throwing sticks out of fear. "The leopard seized my arm and began dragging me," said Mr. Vaja. His son rushed out to help but was also attacked. "When I tried to save my son, the leopard attacked me again. It attacked us several times in those few minutes," he said. Mr. Vaja needed over 50 stitches on his injuries. Using a sickle and spear from the verandah, the farmer fought back and killed the leopard. Officials have recovered the weapons and the body for examination. A 2023 wildlife census recorded 2,274 leopards in the region, marking a rise in their numbers.