A joint operation is currently underway to rescue the leopard and residents have been urged to stay indoors for their safety. (Express photo)
A leopard was sighted in an upscale residential locality in Haryana’s Panchkula on Saturday afternoon, prompting the authorities to issue an alert in the locality and its surrounding areas.
The leopard was reportedly spotted around noon at an under-construction house in Sector 6, which also houses government offices, including the police headquarters.
As sighting triggered panic among residents, teams from the forest department and Haryana Police arrived at the scene to capture the animal. A joint operation is currently underway and residents have been urged to stay indoors for their safety.
Officials have deployed a drone to track the leopard’s exact position. “The use of the drone is expected to assist in monitoring the leopard’s movements and facilitate a safer rescue operation,” a police officer said.
The incident occurred a day after a leopard had entered a house in Dabla village in the nearby Morni area. The house owners were awakened by the loud barking of a dog. Residents then raised an alarm, prompting the leopard to retreat into the jungle.
On Saturday, authorities issued alerts for sectors 4, 8, 9, 12, and 17. Other areas like Mansa Devi and Majri are also under heightened surveillance.
The leopard’s movements were captured on nearby CCTV cameras, and the footage is being reviewed by the wildlife team. The footage will help the team assess the leopard’s movements, enabling them to plan a safe approach for its rescue. Increased patrolling in the area has been ordered, and the forest department is working closely with local police to coordinate the efforts.
The recent sightings have raised concerns about the safety of residents, especially in the Morni region. In villages like Dabla, it has become increasingly dangerous for people to walk on streets or alleys at night, as leopards have been spotted crossing the paths of vehicles, putting the lives of two-wheeler riders at risk.