RAIPUR
Forest Department officials safely captured a leopard on Friday morning in Keravahara village, situated in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district, after the animal spent over a month venturing into local residential areas. The big cat, which had attacked livestock and created panic among residents, was trapped unharmed in a cage trap installed under a targeted monitoring operation.
Chhattisgarh Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap directed the Forest Department to execute the rescue operation in Keravahara village, located within Jova Gram Panchayat in the Gariaband Forest Range.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sasiganandan K stated that the animal had frequently roamed near populated areas, including a school campus, and targeted domestic livestock in previous weeks. In response, officials stepped up surveillance and placed strategic cage traps across Jova and Keravahara villages.
DFO Sasiganandan K, Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Varun Jain, and Wildlife Veterinary Officer Dr. Rakesh Verma supervised the operation. A trained Leopard Rescue Team, equipped with specialized gear, remained on standby throughout the effort. The operation commenced after receiving formal clearances from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and the Chief Wildlife Warden, Chhattisgarh.
Once the leopard stepped into the cage trap, Forest Department officials secured the site and put crowd-control measures in place while monitoring the animal’s behavior.
A three-member veterinary team is conducting a detailed health examination to assess the leopard’s physical condition, check for injuries or illness, and determine whether it can be released into its natural habitat. Forest authorities confirmed that further decisions will be taken as per official wildlife protocols based on the veterinary team’s report.
The Forest Department has urged villagers not to pay attention to rumors and to immediately inform local officials if they spot wildlife near human settlements. Officials reiterated that ensuring the safety of both people and wildlife remains their highest priority.
