Leopard spotted in Nagpur’s Bhandewadi area; police and forest teams launch rescue operation
Nagpur
A leopard entered the residential area of Bhandewadi in Nagpur, prompting police and forest officials to start a rescue operation and issue safety alerts for residents.
Nagpur| Nov 19, 2025 – : Residents of Bhandewadi in Nagpur woke up to a tense atmosphere after a leopard was seen moving through the narrow lanes of the locality. The sighting created immediate panic, especially because the area is densely populated and bordered by construction zones and fragmented green patches. Once the presence of the leopard was confirmed, both city police and the forest department launched a coordinated rescue operation to secure the neighbourhood and track the animal.
The first call to the police control room came from local residents who noticed unusual movement near a cluster of houses. A few people claimed to have seen the leopard walking along compound walls before disappearing behind debris piles. Within minutes, multiple teams from the forest department, including tranquiliser specialists, cage handlers and tracking staff, arrived and began surveying the area. Police blocked entry to several lanes and urged people to stay indoors until the area was secured.
Officers said the rescue effort required careful handling because of the dense layout of Bhandewadi. Houses are close together, children often play outside and stray animals roam freely, increasing the chances of unexpected encounters. Forest officials believe the leopard may have wandered in from neighbouring forested patches or waste-dump zones in search of food. The presence of stray dogs and poultry in the region makes such areas potential attraction points for wild cats.
The rescue teams used camera traps, searchlights and tracking dogs to follow prints and movement signs. Volunteers from local wildlife groups also assisted in the search. Residents were warned not to venture out after sunset and advised to secure pets, close windows and avoid gathering in large numbers. Police patrol vehicles made announcements across the locality to prevent crowds from forming, as bystanders could provoke sudden movements from the animal.
Residents recalled hearing rustling noises in the nights leading up to the discovery, but none suspected that a leopard might be the cause. Some pointed to the rapid urban growth around Nagpur, where forest corridors have been shrinking due to construction activity. According to wildlife officials, such encounters are becoming more common as leopards adapt to living near human settlements, making rescues more challenging.
Authorities assured the public that the operation would prioritise safety and avoid causing distress to the animal. Forest officials said that once located, the leopard would be tranquilised only if necessary and then moved to a safer habitat. They also emphasised that leopards entering residential areas do not typically attack unless threatened, though caution remains essential.
The incident has revived discussions around human-wildlife conflict in fast-expanding cities like Nagpur. Conservationists argue that better protection of green corridors and responsible waste management are needed so that wildlife is not attracted to residential zones. For the moment, the focus remains on tracking the leopard and guiding it away from the locality without any harm.
By evening, rescue teams continued to search in and around abandoned structures, thick shrubs and adjoining construction areas. The forest department has assured residents they will remain deployed in the locality until the animal is safely moved. Police have provided emergency contact numbers for anyone who spots fresh movement.
As Bhandewadi waits for the rescue teams to conclude their operation, residents remain indoors, watching cautiously from balconies and windows. The incident serves as a reminder of how closely urban life and wildlife can collide and how essential coordinated response is in ensuring safety for both people and animals.
