BENGALURU:
After two days of intense efforts, Forest Department officials successfully trapped the elusive leopard that had been causing panic in Kudlu and the surrounding areas. The captured animal was immediately transported to the Bannerghatta Biological Park. Unfortunately, it later succumbed to its injuries sustained from a bullet fired by one of the Forest Department officials.
The leopard was caught in a net while attempting to flee.
The capture of the leopard was preceded by a series of dramatic events, as it had managed to evade the Forest officials for two days. During an attempt to tranquilize the animal near an abandoned building in Krishna Reddy Industrial Layout, veterinarian Kiran was attacked by the leopard. He was promptly rushed to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Another member of the leopard task force also suffered minor injuries after slipping and falling. Despite these incidents, the leopard remained untranquilized and took refuge in the bushes behind the building.
After an unsuccessful operation on Tuesday, the leopard was spotted scaling the compound wall of a cemetery in Krishna Reddy Layout around 11 pm on Monday. It then sought shelter in the abandoned building, which had been thoroughly searched using drones and thermal imaging cameras the following day.
Forest Department officials, along with personnel from the leopard task force who had arrived from Mysuru, strategically placed five cages in the basement and around the abandoned building in an attempt to trap the animal.
On Wednesday morning, the search operation resumed with the Bandepalya police cordoning off the road leading to the industrial layout. Approximately 70 Forest Department personnel surrounded the building. When the leopard could not be located in the bushes behind the building, an excavator was brought in to clear the dense vegetation.
Finally, after an intense search, the elusive leopard was spotted lurking by the side of a wall. A skilled veterinarian and a dedicated forest officer, perched in the bucket of an excavator, swiftly took action.
The veterinarian expertly fired a dart, while the officer aimed a bullet, successfully hitting the leopard. Sensing its chance to escape, the leopard desperately tried to flee, but the forest staff acted swiftly, skillfully trapping the majestic creature in a net. With great care, they transferred the leopard into a secure cage and transported it to the renowned Bannerghatta Biological Park. Sadly, despite their best efforts, the leopard succumbed to its injuries.
Witnessing this remarkable capture was Bommanahalli MLA Satish Reddy, who expressed his relief that the leopard had finally been apprehended.
The leopard’s presence was initially detected on October 28 in Kudlu, Bommasandra. Its movements were captured on CCTV cameras at the Salarpuria Cadenza apartment and AECS Layout. In response, Forest officials promptly issued announcements, advising residents to avoid venturing out alone at night and to carry sticks for protection.
To maintain the safety of the area, the Forest Department staff diligently conducted night patrols after discovering pug marks behind the Cadenza apartment. As a result, residents refrained from their usual morning walks and opted to transport their children to school via cabs, prioritizing their well-being.
