LEOPARD SCARE HAUNTS TIRUMALA RESIDENTS

Leopard scare continues to haunt the residents, employees and people living in various mutts, surrounding the sacred abode of Lord Venkateswara, atop Tirumala. The fear has now further fuelled after a video of leopard prowling in the vicinity of S.V. Museum atop the hill town in the late hours on Tuesday has gone viral on social media.

It may be noted that the roaming of wild animals which was previously confined to only the local colony - Balaji Nagar has now spread to the other parts, as there is not much pilgrim activity and vehicular movement atop Tirumala in the wake of Covid-19 restrictions.

A few days ago, a black cobra was spotted at SMC area and a leopard was seen crossing the outer ring road near the mutts and the Balaji Nagar area twice.

On Tuesday night, the movement of a big cat was captured by a CC camera, installed on the ring road. The video showing the leopard prowling in the area for some time and later vanishing into the forest has now created panic.

TTD vigilance and forest officials, who verified the footage, have launched an intense search operation. They cautioned the public to remain indoors during the night times and asked them to alert the officials if they spot the big cat.

ON TUESDAY night, the movement of a big cat was captured by a CC camera, installed on the ring road. The video showing the leopard prowling in the area for some time and later vanishing into the forest has now created panic.