Leopard Spotted In Bengaluru: Big Cat Reported Near Apartment In Banashankari

A leopard sighting near Turahalli Forest in Bengaluru's Banashankari area on Tuesday has left residents anxious. The big cat was reportedly spotted lounging on a rock near Sobha Forest View Apartments, with a photograph and a short video quickly making rounds on Resident Welfare Association (RWA) WhatsApp groups, warning people to stay alert, according to The Hindu.

The sighting has sparked fear and concern among locals, many of whom live near the forest fringes. While some expressed disbelief about the timing of the images, the Forest Department took note of the reports but stated they could not confirm whether the photos were taken on Tuesday. To reassure the community, police personnel have been deployed to investigate the matter.

Leopard sightings have been unnervingly frequent in and around Bengaluru. Just weeks ago, tragedy struck in Kambalu Gollarhatti village in Bengaluru Rural district when 48-year-old Karimamma was fatally attacked by a leopard while returning home from the fields. In response, forest officials installed 15 cages in the area, hoping to trap the elusive animal.

Last month, a video allegedly showing a leopard roaming near Hunasamaranahalli in Bengaluru went viral. The footage, reportedly captured by construction workers at the Yelahanka airbase, prompted residents to urge forest officials to act swiftly.

In September, panic gripped Electronic City after a leopard was seen prowling near the toll plaza and helipad. The Forest Department eventually captured the big cat after a rigorous operation involving CCTV surveillance and bait traps.

For now, the residents of Banashankari remain watchful, hoping for swift action to ensure their safety while grappling with the unsettling reality of sharing their urban spaces with wildlife.