According to forest officials, the rescue was carried out after multiple complaints were received about leopard movement and attacks on domestic animals. The leopard is believed to have killed at least eight goats over the past week, prompting the department to intensify surveillance and initiate a trapping operation to prevent any risk to human life.
Acting on the reports, forest teams installed a trap cage in Sanawadia and maintained round-the-clock monitoring of the area. After continuous tracking and careful planning, the animal was safely captured late Friday night. Officials confirmed that the rescue was conducted without injury to the leopard or to any personnel involved in the operation.
Following the capture, the leopard was shifted to Indore Zoo for a detailed medical examination. Veterinarians carried out health checks and found the animal to be in good physical condition, with no visible injuries. Forest authorities said the leopard will be released into a suitable forest habitat after completion of mandatory observation and procedural formalities.
Providing details of the operation, Dr Uttam Yadav of the Forest Department said complaints regarding leopard movement had been coming in for about a week. “Initial information indicated damage to livestock and hunting of animals. There has been no loss of human life or injury. The rescued leopard is a female and is physically fit,” he said, adding that veterinarians have advised its early release into the wild.
Meanwhile, forest officials remain on alert in the Mhow region, where leopard movement has been reported inside the campus of the Army War College for the past three days. According to officials, the animal has been sighted by staff members and captured on cameras while moving through dense bushes within the premises.
In response, the Forest Department has installed three night-vision trap cameras in the area and deployed teams for 24-hour monitoring. The footage will be reviewed to confirm the leopard’s presence and plan further action if required.
Forest officials noted that the War College campus is located close to forested land, making such movement natural. They also pointed out that an increase in the leopard population in the Mhow region has led to more frequent sightings near urban and semi-urban areas.
Residents of Sanawadia expressed relief following the rescue. The Forest Department has advised people living near forest zones to remain cautious and promptly report wildlife movement to ensure safety for both humans and animals.
