Belagavi, 26 July

A possibly injured leopard spent the night in a bathroom constructed outside of a house in a forested village called Gunji in Khanapur taluk of Belagavi district on Saturday. 

The leopard entered a newly constructed bathroom attached to the house of Prasad Ghadi on Station Road during the night. Around 8 am, when Ghadi's wife reached into the bathroom to collect grass, the leopard suddenly growled and raised its paw at her. She escaped unharmed before raising the alarm. The leopard then quietly emerged from the bathroom, crossed the compound fence and disappeared into nearby vegetation.

Eyewitnesses said the animal appeared weak and sluggish and reportedly stumbled while crossing a low compound wall, leading villagers to suspect it may be injured or unwell.

It has been sighted several times in Gunji over the past fortnight. Villagers were panicked due to the incident, claiming the animal has already killed a few stray dogs, and expressing fear it could pose a threat to people and livestock. 

Residents have submitted a memorandum to Gunji Section Forest Officer Lakshman Walad demanding the leopard's immediate capture. Speaking to news persons , Assistant Conservator of Forests Basavaraj Walad said patrol teams have been deployed, surveillance has been intensified and cages are being installed to trap the leopard. 

The Forest Department has urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid venturing out alone during early morning and night hours, keep livestock secured inside sheds and immediately report any fresh leopard sightings.