Panic spread after a leopardess was spotted in the premises of Sawangi (Meghe) hospital on Monday morning. An employee of Shalinitai Meghe Hospital spotted the one-and-a-half year old leopardess on the roof near dharamshala behind the old building of the hospital. After getting the information, forest and police teams and volunteers of People for Animals rushed to the spot. After struggling for over four hours, the leopardess was tranquilised and caged by the forest team. The people in the nearby areas panicked when they learnt about the beast. Curious onlookers gathered at the spot to get a gliimpse of the leopardess but the cops controlled them in order to undertake forestmen rescue operation. Taking safety measures, the administration immediately closed the doors and windows of the hospital. Executive Officer Abhuday Meghe confirmed the presence of the leopard in the hospital premises.

 

When the Forest Department officials reached the spot, they found the leopard sitting on a tree. Later, it moved towards a drain near the road and sat there for a long time. Deputy Conservator of Forest Rakesh Shepat and Taluka Forest Officer Rupesh Khedkar were present to monitor the situation. People for Animals and Wildlife Warden contributed to the rescue operation. It took rigorous efforts for more than four hours to trap the leopardess. Some information about the attack of the beast on people was also surfaced. Meanwhile, Sanjay Ingle Tigavkar, Honorary Forest Conservator, Wardha district, informed that leopardess attacks on people at Sawangi Meghe Hospital was just a rumour. No such incident has taken place. On the contrary, the rescue team of the Forest Department, and People for Animals successfully handled the operation. The wild animal was tranquillised and caged.

 

The animal is under veterinarian’s observation and will be released in the forest safely as soon as she is normal, said Tigavkar. Meanwhile, Salod Gram Panchayat member Ashish Kuchewar said that residents of Salod, Borgaon, Paloti and Sawangi Meghe are reeling under fear due to spotting of the carnivore. The power supply to the streetlights in these villages has been snapped due to outstanding bills. It is completely dark at night and people find it difficult to move on the road.