A recent leopard sighting near Turahalli Forest in Bengaluru’s Banashankari area has left local residents on edge. On Tuesday, a leopard was seen lounging on a rock close to Sobha Forest View Apartments. A photograph and a short video of the big cat quickly spread through Resident Welfare Association (RWA) WhatsApp groups, urging people to stay alert, according to The Hindu. This sighting has raised anxiety among locals, particularly those living near the forest’s edge.
While some residents questioned the authenticity of the images, the Forest Department acknowledged the reports but stated they could not confirm if the photos were taken on Tuesday. To ensure safety, police personnel have been stationed in the area to investigate the incident. Leopard sightings have become a growing concern around Bengaluru. Just weeks ago, a leopard attack in Kambalu Gollarhatti village, Bengaluru Rural, resulted in the tragic death of a 48-year-old woman. In response, 15 cages were placed in the area to trap the animal.
In addition, a video surfaced last month, showing a leopard near Hunasamaranahalli, which was captured by construction workers at the Yelahanka airbase. This prompted residents to demand quicker action from forest officials. Earlier, in September, a leopard was seen near the Electronic City toll plaza, causing panic before it was eventually captured by the Forest Department following a large-scale operation.
For now, residents of Banashankari remain vigilant, hoping for swift action to ensure their safety while grappling with the reality of wildlife in urban spaces.
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