Bhilwara: A leopard that strayed into Todaraisingh town of Tonk district Monday morning attacked a forest official before entering a liquor shop, where it injured two employees. The animal was later trapped inside the outlet after the workers managed to pull down the shutter from outside. It was rescued nearly five hours later by a forest dept team.According to forest officials, the leopard first attacked forest official Rakesh Mali in a forested area about 400 metres from the liquor shop before moving into the town. It then entered the liquor outlet shortly after it got opened.Salesman Sanjay Gurjar (25), who was checking the cash counter, and contract worker Fateh Lal Koli (40) did not notice the leopard as it quietly entered the shop. The animal attacked both men, injuring them before they managed to escape. The duo immediately pulled down the shutter from outside, trapping the leopard inside the shop.Gurjar was referred to Tonk for treatment, while Koli was administered first aid at Todaraisingh.A large crowd gathered outside the liquor outlet and the forest dept led by Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Anurag Maharshi, along with a rescue team from Jaipur, reached the spot and launched a rescue operation.The leopard was tranquilised and safely rescued after nearly five hours. It was later taken to the Tonk forest division office, where it underwent a medical examination.Senior veterinarian Ashok Tanwar, who led the rescue, said the leopard is an adult male. “I have carried out 63 leopard rescues, but this is the first time I have rescued one from inside a liquor shop,” he said.Deputy conservator of forests Virender Singh Krishniya said the leopard is believed to have strayed into the town in search of prey from the nearby forests surrounding Todaraisingh.Forest officials said the animal was rescued safely and will be released into a suitable habitat after following the prescribed protocol.
