Meerut, Uttar Pradesh: A dramatic eight-hour-long operation concluded in Meerut Cantonment as authorities successfully captured a leopard that had ventured into a residential area. Prompt action was taken by police and forest department teams upon receiving reports of the leopard’s intrusion into a house in the densely-populated Kaserukheda locality.
The forest department, mobilized by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rajesh Kumar, swiftly responded to the alarming situation. With the leopard reportedly taking refuge in the house of a resident named Sameer, located in a bustling urban area, authorities sprang into action to secure the safety of the occupants and the surrounding community.
Upon arrival, police and forest department teams immediately launched a rescue operation. The house was secured with nets from all sides, and a wall was broken down to safely evacuate the trapped family members. The leopard, identified as a male approximately four years old, had positioned itself just outside the room where the family was located.
After safely evacuating the family, authorities tranquilized the leopard, a four-year-old male, around 6:30 pm. Despite initial reports of the leopard allegedly injuring a person earlier in the day, the DFO affirmed the animal’s good health. Plans are in place to release the leopard into the Shivalik range, ensuring minimal disruption to its natural habitat.
Authorities were quick to act, ensuring the safe capture of the leopard and the protection of residents in the area.