Daijiworld Media Network -Udupi (DV)

Udupi, Sep 8: Forest officials along with the cooperation of locals, successfully trapped a leopard in a 10-hour rescue operation. It is said that the leopard was found in a dilapidated home in Hiriadka, Udupi.

Later, the locals informed the forest department about the leopard hiding inside the residence of Chandrika Ranjan Kelkar and the others also gathered around the house after they came to know about it.

After a 10-hour operation, the Forest Department officials along with help of locals were successful in trapping the leopard on Wednesday.

It is said that on Tuesday itself Ranjan Kelkar had traced the leopard at his residence. Immediately, he informed forest department officials about it. Later, under the guidance of Subramanya Acharya, the operation to trap the big cat began. Finally, the leopard was trapped on Wednesday.

Anesthesiologist expert Dr Meghana who arrived at the spot tried to tranquillise the animal in two attempts.

Finally, the forest department officers were successful in tranquilising the animal in the evening. Later the animal was taken away in a cage.

The male leopard is about three years old and it had wounds on its body.

It is suspected the leopard had entered the house some five days ago. It is said that as it did not get enough food the animal was weak. As there was no one residing in the house the animal did not pose any danger.
After capturing the leopard the forest officials released it into the forest. Forest Department officials Raaji Mathew and Sunish Babu among others took part in the operation.