Why Did a Leopard Cause Panic in Udaipur?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Panic ensued in a Udaipur neighborhood due to a leopard sighting.
- Police and Forest Department teams coordinated efforts for a rescue.
- The leopard was tranquilized and relocated safely.
- Residents were advised to stay indoors during the incident.
- The situation is now under control.
Jaipur, Dec 18 (NationPress) A wave of panic swept through a residential neighborhood in Udaipur, Rajasthan, on Thursday after a leopard was spotted wandering through various homes in the Bhupalpura locality, prompting residents to stay inside as police and Forest Department teams initiated a rescue operation.
The leopard, which instilled fear in the Krishnapura colony since the early hours of the day, was ultimately tranquilized on Thursday at the residence of Chandrika Rathore. This property is currently rented out, while the owner lives in Banswara.
Officials reported that the leopard was first sighted around 5 AM in Street No. 3 of the Krishnapura colony. Local resident Woomal Shaktawat was the first to spot the animal and quickly notified the authorities.
He mentioned that the leopard moved from house to house, causing widespread panic among residents. As the news circulated, many chose to lock themselves inside.
Tenant Preeti Asari described the situation as terrifying. “Around 11 AM, the leopard leaped from a nearby house, traversed the street, and entered our home. We were frightened and felt relief only after the forest team arrived,” she recounted.
Another tenant, Bhupendra, stated that his family was alerted by a nearby relative, prompting them to contact the authorities. Forest officials indicated that the leopard likely entered the residential area from the Ayyad River.
Police teams arrived promptly and secured the area. Additional SP (City) Umesh Ojha reported that the police cleared the vicinity and dispersed onlookers to ensure public safety, allowing forest officials to carry out their rescue mission effectively. Residents were urged to stay indoors and refrain from gathering on rooftops or balconies.
Forest Department officials revealed that a specialized rescue team kept a close watch on the animal. Firecrackers were deployed to guide the leopard further indoors as it frequently changed locations, complicating the rescue effort.
Shooter Digvijay Singh noted that the operation was difficult due to the animal's constant movement, which heightened the risk of an attack. “Rescues like this are always critical, but our coordinated efforts ensured the leopard was safely tranquilized,” he explained.
The leopard was finally tranquilized around 1:30 PM. After monitoring it for approximately 15 minutes, the rescue team secured the animal, placed it in a cage, and transported it to Sajjangarh for further care.
Officials confirmed that the situation in the area is now fully under control.