Panic Erupts Among Devotees Following Leopard Sighting on Alipiri Walkway in Tirupati
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Synopsis
On March 4, 2023, a leopard sighting on the Alipiri walkway in Tirupati led to panic among devotees and local shopkeepers, prompting TTD officials to enhance safety measures and restrict access for children under 12 years old.
Key Takeaways
- Leopard spotted on Alipiri walkway.
- Officials advised group travel for safety.
- Access for children under 12 restricted.
- Previous leopard sightings in the area.
- Enhanced security measures implemented.
Tirupati, March 4 (NationPress) A leopard was spotted on the Alipiri walkway in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati early on Tuesday, causing alarm among local shopkeepers and devotees.
The leopard was observed on the walkway close to Galigupuram, with its movements recorded on CCTV in a shop around 1 a.m.
The shopkeeper promptly notified officials from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).
TTD officials recommended that devotees traverse the walkway only in groups. As a safety precaution, access was also limited for children under the age of 12.
Just two weeks prior, a leopard was seen near Muggu Bavi on the walkway. It had retreated into the forest. Nevertheless, TTD security personnel have been ensuring the safety of devotees.
Following the recent incident, TTD officials, in collaboration with the Forest Department, have implemented additional security measures.
The Alipiri walkway is frequented by hundreds of devotees daily to reach the Sri Venkateshwara temple atop the Tirumala hills. The 9-km route features 3,550 steps leading to the hill shrine.
In January, a leopard was spotted near Alipiri at the foothills of Tirumala, causing distress among residents and pilgrims alike.
A contract worker from TTD’s Aswini Hospital was injured when he encountered a leopard while riding his bike on the Alipiri–Cherlopalli road.
The big cat leaped off the road median to cross towards the adjacent forest. Muni Kumar lost control of his bike after panicking upon seeing the leopard.
There have been frequent sightings of leopards on this road over the past few months.
A tragic incident occurred on August 11, 2023, when a six-year-old girl was fatally mauled by a leopard while walking to Tirumala on the Alipiri footpath with her parents. Her body was discovered behind the Narasimha Swamy temple the following morning.
In another alarming case, a three-year-old boy was attacked by a wild cat. The animal attempted to drag the boy into the forest but was scared away by pilgrims and security personnel.
In response, TTD, along with the Forest Department, heightened surveillance. Restrictions were placed on the movement of devotees trekking to the temple, and CCTV cameras were installed.
They successfully captured four leopards within two months by setting up cages along the walkway.
