Bengaluru leopard shot dead after 5-day search

Cages were set up after the initial sightings in Bengaluru to capture the leopard. (Representational)

In a gripping five-day saga of tracking, forest officials in Bengaluru shot dead a wandering leopard who was spotted at several spots in southern part of the city since Saturday.

The animal was caught in the Kudlu Gate near Electronics City and subsequently died in the veterinary hospital in Bannerghatta biological park after sustaining a bullet injury, reportedly when one of the forest department officials opened fire.

Veterinarians were trying to tranquilise the leopard when it attacked them.

Bengaluru urban chief conservator of forests SS Lingaraju told reporters “The leopard had attacked veterinary doctor Kiran and one more staff member. So, they were grievously injured. So, it jumped to attack one more staff. So, he shot it in self defense. We tried to revive it in Bannerghatta but it died,” he added. "We have the permission to shoot if the wild animal becomes a danger to human life" he said.

Veterinarians tried to revive the animal at the hospital but failed.

After several sightings of the elusive feline on the outskirts of Bengaluru, the forest department set up two cages to capture the animal three days ago. Night patrolling and police teams also joined in the effort.

LEOPARD SPOTTED IN BENGALURU

A Leopard has been spotted roaming on the roads at AECS Layout - A Block, Kudlu Gate. Kindly do the needful at the earliest @aranya_kfd before it attacks anyone@BlrCityPolice @MTF_Mobility @osd_cmkarnataka pls help this info reach the concerned… pic.twitter.com/vwyY5s2gv3

— Karnataka Weather (@Bnglrweatherman) October 30, 2023

BANGALORE LEOPARD FINALLY CAUGHT

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The elusive leopard spotted near Kudlu gate has been finally caught this afternoon by @aranya_kfd@aranya_kfd worked hard for over 4 days to capture the leopard . Kudos

Not sure what is the plan going forward. Would it be kept in BNP or… pic.twitter.com/lDFmmYiq9O

— Namma Karnataka Weather (@namma_vjy) November 1, 2023