AHMEDABAD : A leopard’s unexpected entry into a posh residential society in Ahmedabad’s Ghuma area has triggered panic among residents and prompted a massive rescue operation by the Gujarat Forest Department. The big cat was caught on CCTV after entering Sharandeep Society by jumping over the compound wall in the early hours of July 20, marking one of the first such incidents reported from the upscale Ghuma-Shela-Bopal belt.

The leopard was first spotted at around 1:50 am. CCTV footage showed the animal roaming inside the society before being chased by stray dogs. A young woman driving through the area also reported seeing the leopard, while forest officials later found paw prints inside the residential complex.

The incident has created fear among residents, with the Forest Department placing cages in the area and advising people to avoid stepping out after dusk until the animal is safely rescued.

“People should remain alert but not panic. Humans are not the natural prey of leopards,” said Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Minal Jani.

Soon after the alert, teams from the Forest Department and Kankaria Zoo reached the spot. Veterinary experts, forest officers from Daskroi, Sanand and Mandal divisions began scanning the surrounding residential areas to trace the leopard.

According to DCF Jani, CCTV footage suggests the animal is around eight to nine years old. Officials believe it may have strayed into the city through nearby river ravines and is unlikely to settle in the urban area.

“If the leopard is found in the surrounding area, it will be safely rescued and shifted to a suitable habitat,” Jani said.

Minister of State for Forests Pravin Mali said the state government is closely monitoring the situation.

“The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are receiving regular updates. Our priority is to rescue the leopard safely without causing harm to people or the animal,” Mali said.

Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, who visited the society after being informed by residents, assured that all necessary support is being provided.

Residents recalled that the alarm was first raised after a family returning home spotted the leopard near the society gate and immediately alerted neighbours through a WhatsApp group. CCTV footage later confirmed the sighting.

Officials have urged residents, especially parents, to keep children indoors during the evening, avoid isolated areas and immediately inform the Forest Department if the leopard is spotted again. The rescue operation is continuing, while surveillance cameras and cages have been deployed across the Ghuma-Shela-Bopal area.