PNS|Tirumala
After three days of intense efforts by the TTD, forest officials, and local police, a leopard that had attacked a four-year-old boy has finally been captured and safely confined in a cage.
On Friday, officials strategically positioned two cages in different locations, and to their relief, the leopard entered one of the cages placed near the 7th milestone area, resulting in its successful capture.
The TTD and forest officials, addressing the media, confirmed that the leopard was trapped at approximately 10:45 pm on Friday.
TTD EO, Dharma Reddy, personally witnessed the leopard inside the cage, and based on observations, forest officials suspect it to be the same leopard responsible for the attack on the young boy. In an effort to capture the leopard swiftly and ensure the safety of pilgrims traveling on foot to the hill shrine of Tirumala, the TTD installed 150 CCTV cameras and placed cages at strategic locations. Remarkably, the leopard was captured within 24 hours of the attack.
The incident had caused panic among devotees making their way to Tirumala on foot. Forest officials have determined that the trapped leopard is approximately one-and-a-half years old, still in the early stages of hunting and not fully accustomed to preying on larger targets. This inexperience may have led the leopard to release the boy after the initial attack, according to the forest officials’ assessment.
The unfortunate encounter occurred when the leopard, while hunting a cat, accidentally crossed paths with devotees travelling to Tirumala on foot. The incident took place unexpectedly and was unrelated to the leopard’s typical behaviour.
According to TTD officials, a family from Adoni was en route to Tirumala when the attack occurred. The boy was standing beside his grandfather, who was purchasing snacks at a nearby shop when the leopard suddenly pounced on him. The elderly man’s cries for help startled the leopard, prompting it to release the boy. Fortunately, the injured child is currently recovering in the hospital and is reported to be out of danger.
The successful capture of the leopard has brought relief to the TTD, forest officials, and local authorities. Efforts are now underway to ensure the safe relocation of the leopard to a suitable habitat, away from human settlements. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance and implementing necessary measures to protect both wildlife and pilgrims in the region.
