A leopard pounced on a group of friends as they enjoyed a picnic in India.

Footage shows the aggressive wild cat attacking a holidaymaker in the forests of Gohparu and Jaitpur, Shahdol district, Madhya Pradesh, on October 20.

Reports indicate that the attack left three people injured, all of whom are being treated at a medical college.

The wounded individuals have been identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector Nitin Samdariya, 23-year-old Akash Kushwaha, and 25-year-old Nandini Singh.

The predator first attacked Akash, biting his thigh and clawing at his other leg. Nandini sustained severe injuries to her head, with the impact causing her skull to fracture.

Along with these three, around 50 to 60 other people were present for the picnic. After the incident, the leopard fled and ran into nearby woodland.

The leopard population in India has grown from 12,852 in 2018, to 13,874 in 2022, according to the 'Status of Leopards in India 2022' report, released by the Union Environment Ministry on February 29.

The development of homes in and around forests has led to an increase in conflicts with humans.