Saharanpur,

26 May (HS): The forest department in Saharanpur district initiated a search

operation after inhabitants of Bastam village in the Deoband region reported

seeing a leopard on Monday morning, according to authorities. The sighting

sparked anxiety across the community, forcing hundreds of individuals to

congregate at the location. As soon as the information was received, personnel

from the Deoband police and forest department arrived in the hamlet to assess

the situation. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Sagar Jain said some people saw

the leopard racing across the fields on their way to their farms. A few residents even managed to capture video

of the leopard on their cell phones. Following the sighting, the forest service

launched a search operation in neighboring fields, forests, and shrubs with

drone cameras, according to Jain.

He further stated that the forest

dept is making all conceivable attempt to locate and apprehend the leopard

safely. Authorities have urged villagers to exercise caution and avoid going

into the fields alone. If the leopard is not found by drone surveillance and

ground searches, the forest crew may set up cages and trap cameras in the

vicinity. Meanwhile, the leopard's reported presence has created a stressful

situation in the area. According to Jain, nearby villages have also been

advised to remain careful.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi