Leopard that attacked officials during combing operation in Bengaluru dies after getting shot

Officials said they had got permission to shoot the leopard if necessary. The animal was spotted at the apartment complex in Kudlu Gate in Singasandra four days ago. The veterinarian attacked by the leopard said the animal died at 2 am on Wednesday.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Subhash Malkhede said, “The veterinarian received a minor injury by the leopard while he was trying to tranquillise it. He was taken to a hospital. We had zeroed in on the leopard’s location. However, it was inaccessible due to thick vegetation.”

Over 70 officials and other staffers of the forest department were involved in the combing operation and a team from Mysuru had also arrived to capture the leopard. Police were monitoring the situation.

On Tuesday, Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre said the forest department was using modern technologies like thermal imaging cameras and drones to capture the leopard. He said the animal could have come from the Bannerghatta National Park. “After the capture of the leopard, its health status will be checked and it will be released back into the forest area,” he added.