Siddarth Sethia
Residents of Bharat Nagar in Bengaluru’s Bydarahalli area were startled after a leopard was spotted crossing a road during the intervening night of July 9 and 10, prompting an immediate search operation by police and the Forest Department.
The sighting was first reported by local residents and was later confirmed through CCTV footage from the area,which captured the big cat moving along a residential road.
Following the alert,police and forest officials launched a search operation in and around Bharat Nagar to trace the animal and ensure public safety.
Forest officials later said the leopard appears to have moved out of the locality.However,surveillance has been intensified in Bharat Nagar and adjoining areas to monitor any further movement and prevent potential human-wildlife conflict.
Residents said the incident came as a shock,with many stating they had never before seen a leopard in the neighbourhood.
Officials suspect the animal may have wandered into the area from nearby forested or green belt regions.
Authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant, avoid venturing into isolated areas at night,and immediately report any fresh sightings to the Forest Department or police.
