The forest department has successfully captured a leopard that wreaked havoc and caused widespread panic in the Rehardhar area adjacent to Mandi city for the past month. The wild animal was found trapped on Friday morning inside a cage set up by the department. For a month, the leopard's aggressive presence had created an atmosphere of constant terror throughout the region, leaving local residents deeply frightened. During this month-long period of terror, the leopard hunted and killed a staggering 67 sheep, along with one goat and one dog, causing heavy losses to local livestock owners.
Intense tracking using two cages and four CCTV cameras
Acting on the specific directives of DCF Mandi Sanjeev Sharma, Range Officer Mandi Ajay Chandel formed a special rescue team led by Deputy Ranger Chinta Devi. The operational team included forest guards Hem Raj, Jeevan Singh, Neelma Devi, Pooja Thakur, along with other forest personnel and Van Mitras. Local residents also extended their full cooperation to the department throughout the operation. To capture the elusive leopard, the department deployed two heavy-duty cages and four CCTV cameras. These devices were continuously used to track the movement and exact location of the animal. Through this surveillance, the department discovered that the leopard remained highly active near the Thru Nala area.
Two sheep used as bait inside the traps
Analyzing the tracking data, the department placed cages at two strategic locations on the previous night, baiting the traps with two sheep to lure the leopard inside. When locals and officials arrived at the spot on Friday morning, the leopard was found locked inside the cage. DCF Mandi Sanjeev Sharma confirmed the development, stating that the leopard has been successfully captured and sent to Kangoo for medical examination. Further action will be initiated following the completion of these medical protocols. Relieved local residents expressed their gratitude to the forest department for successfully ending the weeks-long terror.
