Two people suffered minor injuries on Friday after a leopard attacked them in Akshi village near Alibaug in Maharashtra. Forest officials believe the same leopard may be responsible for injuring six people earlier this week in nearby Nagaon village.
A fresh search operation has been launched by the Forest Department, assisted by local NGOs and volunteers. Teams are using camera traps, patrol vehicles, and tranquiliser equipment to track the animal.
According to officials from the Maharashtra Forest Department, the pattern of movement suggests the leopard could be the same animal involved in the earlier attacks. Residents of the coastal belt have been living in fear since the first incident, with many avoiding early morning and late evening outdoor activities.
Rescue teams on alert
Authorities have said that capturing the leopard safely is a priority. The rescue team is also working to ensure that both human and animal lives are protected during the operation.
Officials have urged residents to stay cautious.
Past attack this week
Meanwhile, two residents of Nagaon Village, located near the popular Nagaon Beach in Maharashtra`s Alibaug, were injured on Tuesday following a human–leopard conflict incident, which triggered panic in the locality. Soon after learning about the incident, the Maharashtra Forest Department rushed to the spot.
Considering that leopards have been roaming freely in residential areas, efforts are underway to locate and safely rescue the wild cats from the densely populated area.
In view of the rescue operation, Pune-based wildlife rescue NGO RESQ CT has also departed for Alibaug to assist the forest personnel in the mission. The NGO is expected to provide technical expertise and equipment for safely capturing the big cat.
