Pune: No Weapon Orders Issued; Forest Department Refutes Leopard-Related Rumours
Pune: No Weapon Orders Issued; Forest Department Refutes Leopard-Related Rumours
Pune, November 27, 2025: The Pune Forest Department has issued an official clarification after a rumour began circulating in the city following a leopard sighting in Aundh on Sunday, November 23. The rumour falsely claimed that the department had instructed citizens to carry sharp weapons such as sickles or swords for self-defence against the leopard.
In a press note, officials stated that no such order or advisory has been issued by the Forest Department. They emphasised that the circulating message is completely baseless and misleading.
The department has appealed to citizens not to believe or spread such rumours. Residents have been urged to rely only on verified information from official sources and to cooperate fully with the administration and forest officials.
Authorities further informed that the Pune Forest Department and the ResQ team are continuously monitoring the situation related to the leopard sighting. All necessary measures are being taken to ensure public safety, and citizens have been requested not to panic or misunderstand the situation.
— Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pune Forest Department
