Pune News: Fourth Leopard Captured in 18 Days, Residents Live in Fear

Valti (Ambegaon), August 30 – In a concerning series of events, the forest department has captured a fourth leopard in just 18 days in the Katwanavasti-Bighe area. The latest capture occurred on Thursday morning, sparking fears among local residents.

The one-and-a-half-year-old leopard cub was trapped in a cage set up by the forest department. However, the drama unfolded when its mother, a female leopard, attempted to free it by attacking the cage. Farmer Maruti Karbhari Bhor, who had requested the forest department to reinstall the cage due to frequent leopard sightings, witnessed the incident.

This is the fourth leopard captured in the area since August 12. Previous captures took place on August 12, August 18, and August 25. The recurring leopard sightings have created an atmosphere of panic among citizens.

“We are living in fear,” said local resident Santosh Patilbuwa Lokhande, whose two sheep were killed by a leopard on Sunday midnight. “There are still leopards in the area, and we demand the forest department take further action.”

Forest department officials, along with a rescue team, successfully detained the female leopard cub after the incident. Officers and staff, including Dhondibhau Bhor and Anand Vaval, were present.

The forest department has issued a warning to residents, cautioning them to be vigilant due to the potential aggression of the female leopard. Citizens are demanding the forest department reinstall the cage to ensure their safety.

“The situation is alarming,” said Maruti Bhor. “We need the forest department’s continued support to protect our livestock and lives.”

With four leopards captured in such a short span, concerns about leopard presence in the area persist. The forest department’s prompt response is crucial in mitigating the fear and ensuring public safety.

The forest department will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to ensure public safety.