Pune: Leopard Sighting Near Hadapsar Sparks Fear; Forest Department Begins Inspection

Hadapsar, 14th November 2025: Panic spread in Shewalwadi and nearby areas on Thursday after citizens reported spotting a leopard near the Bhawara settlement in broad daylight. The sighting prompted local residents to demand immediate safety measures, following which forest department officials visited the area to assess the situation.

Officials confirmed that a leopard had been seen moving near the settlement. Forest officer Vijaykumar Dhakne and forest guard Priya carried out an inspection around 1.30 pm after receiving multiple alerts from residents.

According to locals, a car driver who was passing through the area managed to capture a photograph of the leopard on his mobile phone. The image began circulating on social media within minutes, intensifying fear among residents.

In the past three days, citizens in the Fursungi area have also reported seeing a leopard near the roadside, further heightening concern in the region. Many residents said they had been discussing the possibility of a leopard’s presence even before Thursday’s confirmed sighting.

BJP Pune District Vice President Rahul Shewale has urged the forest department to install surveillance cameras and place cages in vulnerable spots to prevent any untoward incident. He said immediate action is necessary to ensure the safety of people living in Shewalwadi, Fursungi and surrounding areas.

Residents have also alerted the police and forest officials, stating that the leopard may have moved closer to inhabited zones after being spotted near the Grape Research Centre.

The forest department has assured that necessary measures, including monitoring and possible trapping operations, will be undertaken promptly.