Leopard Spotted Again at Three Different Locations in Jhunsi, Triggering Concern Among Residents

By BK Singh

Prayagraj: A leopard was once again spotted at three separate locations in the Jhunsi area, creating panic among residents and prompting the forest department to intensify its efforts to track and capture the animal.

This is not the first time this predator has been seen roaming around in the same area in the past couple of months.

But efforts to track and cage it had failed. The forest authorities were left rubbing their hands. However, it is still not clear whether it is the same leopard or another one.

Authorities have assured people that all necessary measures are being taken, but the leopard’s repeated appearances have heightened anxiety across the locality.

According to reports, the first sighting took place around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday near the Nagvasuki Ganga Ghat area.

Later in the night, at approximately 11:45 p.m., the animal was seen near Lakkad Baba Temple in Sangam Vihar Colony of Haveliya Ward.

A third sighting was reported around 12:41 a.m. near a yoga institution located beneath the Shastri Bridge.

Following these consecutive appearances, speculation has also emerged that the leopard may be accompanied by two cubs, although officials have not yet confirmed this.

Residents of Sangam Vihar Colony claimed that the leopard was captured on a CCTV camera installed in the area.

Similarly, near the yoga institution under Shastri Bridge, staff members recorded videos of the animal using their mobile phones. The footage has since circulated widely among residents, adding to public concern.

On Friday, a leopard had also been spotted near Nagvasuki Ghat. A resident, Hari Mohan Yadav, who lives in the nearby Nika village, reportedly came face-to-face with the animal while heading toward the riverbank.

Recalling the encounter, Yadav said he saw the leopard and quickly retreated to safety.

When Yadav later returned to the area with other villagers, the leopard was no longer visible.

However, its continued presence in the region has left many residents worried about their safety and that of their families.

After receiving information from residents and reviewing CCTV footage, the forest department launched a search operation to locate the animal.

Forest officials have urged people to remain vigilant and avoid venturing out alone, especially during the late-night and early-morning hours when the leopard is believed to be most active.

Possibility of Two Cubs Being with the Leopard

Discussions among villagers have intensified regarding the possibility that the leopard is moving around with two cubs.

Forest officials, however, have said that there is currently no conclusive evidence to support these claims.

Some residents reported spotting a larger leopard along with two smaller animals near a village called Baghana.

Nevertheless, officials stated that no definitive proof has been found so far to verify these sightings.

Fear Grips the Area as Search Operations Continue

The repeated sightings have created an atmosphere of fear across Jhunsi. Residents, particularly those living near the riverbank and in isolated localities, say they are avoiding stepping out after dark.

Meanwhile, the Prayagraj Zoological Survey Institution (PZS) has intensified its monitoring efforts.

Experts from the organisation are examining CCTV footage and other visual evidence to determine the leopard’s movements and possible habitat in the area.

Officials noted that one CCTV clip appears to show a leopard moving behind two other animals.

However, they clarified that the video quality is not clear enough to conclusively establish whether those animals were indeed cubs.

Despite the uncertainty, forest department teams remain on high alert and are continuing their efforts to trace and safely capture the leopard.

As the search operation continues, authorities have appealed to residents to stay cautious, avoid spreading rumours, and immediately inform the forest department if the animal is spotted again.

The department has reiterated that capturing the leopard safely remains its top priority.