Pune: Leopard Captured in Nigdi After Two-Hour Rescue Operation
Pimpri Chinchwad, 2nd February 2025: A leopard sighting in the Nigdi area of Pimpri Chinchwad prompted a swift and coordinated response by the Pune Forest Department, RESQ Charitable Trust, PCMC Police, and Fire Department.
At 9:15 AM, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Deepak Pawar (Pune Forest Division) was informed of the leopard’s presence in Sant Kabir Udyan area of Nigdi. He immediately alerted Neha Panchamiya, Founder & President of RESQ Charitable Trust, who mobilised the RESQ CT team immediately. By 9:45 AM, Neha Panchamiya and Nachiket Utpat from RESQ reached the site, assessed the situation, and tracked the leopard’s movement. Initially seen in the public park, the leopard had entered the premises of a row house, where only caretakers were present.
A thorough search revealed the leopard taking cover behind a tin shed at the back of the house. As the Pune Forest Department team, RESQ CT team, and PCMC Police cautiously approached, the leopard moved and jumped back into the public park. By this time, the area was secured by the Police and Fire Department, ensuring public safety. The leopard, seeking cover, hid next to a room where a woman and two young adults were inside.
“Recognising the need for precise and timely intervention, RESQ CT Veterinarian Dr. Kalyani Thakur safely tranquilised the leopard. Once safely immobilised, the animal was carefully extracted and transported in a rescue ambulance for medical assessment. The leopard, identified as a healthy male, is currently undergoing evaluation at the Wildlife Transit Treatment Centre (TTC) in Bavdhan”, said Neha Panchamiya, RESQ CT, Pune.
“The successful rescue operation was a joint effort by the Pune Forest Department, RESQ Charitable Trust, PCMC Police, PCMC Fire Department, Hon. Wildlife Warden Aditya Paranjape, and local wildlife organisation Scales & Tales. Tremendous cooperation from the local community played a crucial role in ensuring a safe and efficient rescue”, said Mahadev Mohite, DCF (T), Pune Forest Department.
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