Viral Navi Mumbai leopard video near Taloja Jail is fake, Forest Department clarifies as misinformation stirs fear among residents

A viral clip claiming a leopard near Taloja Jail in Navi Mumbai is false, the Maharashtra Forest Department says, urging public not to spread unverified wildlife videos and avoid panic.

Navi Mumbai, December 20 2025:An alarming video that circulated widely on social media claiming a leopard was roaming near the Taloja Jail area in Navi Mumbai has been confirmed as fake, officials from the Maharashtra Forest Department have clarified. The footage, shared by many users across platforms, caused anxiety among neighbourhood residents, prompting queries to authorities and speculation about wildlife on the loose.

The Forest Department stepped in to address the situation after several community members and local groups raised concerns about possible leopard sightings near the Kharghar‑Taloja belt. On investigation, officials found no evidence to support the claim and categorically stated that the viral video does not depict a real incident. They emphasised that such misleading content fuels unnecessary fear and diverts response teams from real conservation and rescue operations.

The forest officials reminded people that genuine wildlife sightings, while occurring occasionally in areas adjacent to forests, are typically verified through credible sources before any public alert is issued. Experts have pointed out that fake or AI‑generated clips and unverified posts are increasingly shared as real events, causing confusion and sometimes panic among citizens. This trend can hinder actual forest department operations and put both people and animals at risk.

Authorities urged residents in Navi Mumbai to report verified sightings directly to the Forest Department’s helplines and refrain from forwarding unconfirmed videos. They stressed that responsible sharing of information can help ensure timely and accurate responses to genuine wildlife movements and avoid unnecessary alarm in urban areas.

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