Bengaluru: Panic gripped residents of BEL Layout and Bharat Nagar in west Bengaluru after a leopard was spotted prowling through the streets early Thursday. The big cat’s movements were captured on CCTV cameras, triggering fear among residents, particularly morning walkers.The leopard was first spotted around 3.50am and again at 4.30am as it moved through the densely populated neighbourhood. Residents of Bharat Nagar said panic spread after a few morning walkers at a park came dangerously close to the animal. A resident returning home after a late-night shift said he saw the leopard leap over a fence, cross the road and enter the park.“At first, I thought it was a stray dog when it jumped over the fence. But as it stopped briefly in the middle of the road, I realised it was a leopard. It then slipped into the neighbourhood park. I alerted the police control room and Byadarahalli cops rushed to the spot,” the resident said.Police examined CCTV footage from nearby buildings and found the leopard had moved towards an area of dense vegetation after passing through the park. Following the alert, forest department deployed teams of watchers and guards to trace the animal.“We conducted a combing operation through the day but couldn’t locate the leopard. Tracking was difficult because the area is covered with dense vegetation and tall grass, making it hard to identify pug marks. We have placed nets at a few strategic locations and search operation is continuing,” said Shivappa Hosamani, range forest officer, Bengaluru North division.Forest officials suspect the leopard may have strayed from Turahalli forest, located 2-3 km away, and believe it may have returned to the same habitat after moving through the locality.
