Pune: After an intense eight-day pursuit, a leopard that had instilled fear among the residents of Nirgurdsar was finally rescued by the Forest Department early morning on the 21st of this month. The successful capture brought much-needed relief to the community.

The leopard had been causing panic since it snatched a dog from a porch in broad daylight on the July 10th, right before the eyes of the villagers in Cholicha Mala.

This alarming incident led to heightened fears, especially given the nearby Anganwadi, a childcare center where young children receive their education.

Village council member Vaibhav Walse Patil, along with other villagers, promptly requested the Forest Department to place a trap in the area. Following a series of appeals from former Vice-President of Pune District Council Vivek Walse Patil and former Deputy Sarpanch Ramdas Walse Patil, the Forest Department installed a trap in the field of farmer Sayaji Babnrao Walse Patil on the night of the July 13th.

Despite the daily placement of bait, the leopard managed to evade capture for several days. However, on the morning of the 21st, the leopard was finally trapped. Farmer Datta Gaikwad discovered the captured leopard and notified the Forest Department.

Forest officials, along with a rescue team, promptly arrived at the scene to secure the leopard. The animal, having thrashed against the trap, sustained minor injuries to its nose and head.

The event drew a large crowd of locals who expressed their relief and satisfaction at the capture. Additionally, the villagers urged the Forest Department to continue efforts to capture any remaining leopards in the area to ensure the community's safety.