Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (GA)
Pics - RK Dugra Digitals
Udupi, Feb 16: It was only a few days ago that a leopard was spotted in Mangalore city. These columns had carried detailed report about the efforts by the forest department and the locals to capture it. Though it was captured after much effort, it is very sad to know that it died a couple of days later.
Now a similar incident has been reported from Padebettu near Padubidri here. A leopard which had strayed into human habitat was found fallen in a well on Friday February 16 morning. But thanks to Padubidri police and forest department. They succeeded in removing the leopard out from the well without many hassles.
A leopard had fallen in the well of one Kerame Kalaiguttu Melmane Vithal Shetty's well. It might have strayed into human habitat in search of its prey and in the dark slipped into the well. No one knew about it. But Vithal Shetty's wife Appi Shetty who had got up as early as 5 in the morning heard some sound in the well. Though she tried to flash torch in the well and find out she could not. Since a sound of someone struggling to survive or even trying to remain afloat by swimming was heard, she even had thoughts that some one might have either jumped into the well or fallen accidentally.
She woke her husband and children up. But since it was pitch dark they could not spot anything. It was only around 7 am that their neighbour Harish Shetty came and he spotted leopard in the well.
The news soon spread around like wild fire. People started thronging in hundreds to have a glimpse of the rare visitor. Meanwhile news was passed on Padubidri police and to the forest department. Padubidri police led by inspector Navinchadra Jogi and forester Yogeshwar soon arrived at the place.
Unlike in Mangalore, there were no confusions, hic-cups etc. The forester and his staff had a definite plan. They lowered a cage into the well. Even leopard had no other plans to stay a little longer in the well. As soon as the cage reached near, it immediately jumped in.
Amidst bated breaths and anxious moments the cage with the 'big cat' inside was gradually pulled up with the help of ropes.
Once the operation was over and the leopard was captured successfully, it was sent to Kundapur reserve forest. More than 500 people who were waiting and praying for the success of the operation breathed a sigh of relief at the successful completion of the entire operation.
Also Read:
Watch Video
Mangalore: Operation 'Capture Cat' - Exclusive Video
Feb 12, 2007