Panic gripped parts of Keshav Nagar in the early hours of Thursday after a leopard was spotted roaming close to a residential complex, with CCTV cameras capturing clear visuals of the animal moving calmly through the area.
The sighting was reported around 4 am near Alcon Silverleaf Society, prompting residents to immediately alert authorities amid concerns over safety.
CCTV footage confirms leopard movement
Residents said CCTV footage from within the society shows the leopard walking along internal roads, unperturbed by its surroundings. The visuals caused alarm, especially as the sighting coincided with early morning activity involving security guards and a few residents.
Videos and images from the footage quickly circulated among locals, heightening anxiety and triggering repeated calls to forest officials for urgent intervention.
Forest department and rescue teams deployed
The Pune Forest Department was alerted soon after the incident, along with wildlife rescue organisation RESQ. Teams were deployed to assess the situation and track the leopard’s movement in and around Keshav Nagar.
Forest officials said monitoring operations were underway to ensure the animal does not stray into densely populated zones. Efforts are focused on locating the leopard and either safely capturing it or guiding it back towards forested or open areas.
Advisory issued to residents
Authorities have issued an advisory urging residents to remain indoors, particularly during early morning and late-night hours. People have been advised not to venture out alone until the situation is brought under control.
Residents were also asked to secure society gates, keep surroundings well-lit, and immediately report any fresh sightings to the forest department or the police control room.
Area has seen past wildlife sightings
Officials noted that Keshav Nagar and nearby localities such as Manjari and Mundhwa have witnessed sporadic wildlife sightings in recent years. These incidents are often attributed to shrinking green cover and the area’s proximity to open land and riverbanks.
Forest department officials reiterated that the priority is to ensure public safety while preventing harm to the animal. Search and monitoring operations are expected to continue until the leopard is safely relocated.