States » WestPosted at: Sep 30 2026 8:18PM


Maha: Leopard trail found in Gondia residential area, forest Dept on alert

Gondia, Sep 30 (UNI) Forest officials have intensified surveillance in Maharashtra’s Gondia city after suspected leopard pugmarks was found in a residential locality, prompting the installation of trap cameras and cages as a precautionary measure.
Assistant Conservator of Forests Vijay Dhande said residents of Gaurinagar reported spotting a leopard in the area.
Following the alerts, the forest department deployed a rescue team and installed two cages along with camera traps to monitor and capture the animal if required.
Officials said pugmarks and other field evidence indicated the presence of a big cat in the vicinity.
Residents have been advised to avoid moving alone during late hours and to ensure that children remain indoors as a safety measure.
The development has revived memories of earlier wildlife incursions into the city.
Officials recalled that a tiger had wandered close to the collector’s office a few years ago, while a sloth bear was recently sighted in a residential neighbourhood.
Meanwhile , officials said a team of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Nagpur division, arrested two persons from Sadak Arjuni tehsil of Gondia district after allegedly recovering a leopard skin from their possession.
The accused were identified as Dhanraj Ramlal Uikey (38) and Neelkanth Ramchandra Pandre (35).
Preliminary investigations suggest that the duo was attempting to sell the skin when they were apprehended.
A local court has remanded both accused to forest department custody until October 6. Further investigation is in progress, officials added.
UNI PK CDS
Tags: #Maha: Leopard trail found in Gondia residential area# forest Dept on alert
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