Villagers booked for obstructing officials trying to rescue stranded leopard in Tumakuru

The Hebbur police have registered a case against 15 villagers for allegedly obstructing forest and veterinary officials from rescuing a leopard stranded on a tree near Timmasandra in Tumakuru taluk.

The leopard was spotted perched on a coconut tree in a garden belonging to one Ashwath. Forest officials, along with personnel from the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services departments, rushed to the spot to rescue the animal after it was sighted.

However, the rescue operation was disrupted when a group of around 10 to 15 villagers allegedly gathered at the spot and created a commotion, preventing the officials from capturing the leopard.

Despite the officials’ efforts, the leopard jumped down from the tree and fled. The villagers allegedly continued to shout at and threaten the officials, demanding that they capture the animal. They reportedly warned the personnel that their clothes would be torn off if they failed to do so, assaulted them on the back and verbally abused them.

The villagers also allegedly obstructed a government vehicle from proceeding and interfered with the officials’ attempts to do their duty.

Based on a complaint lodged by H.S. Prayag, deputy director of Bannerghatta Biological Park, the Hebbur police registered a case against 15 people.

Dr. Prayag had been appointed to oversee the welfare of elephants that participated in the Jamboo Savari procession held as part of the Tumakuru Dasara celebrations. The leopard was spotted the day after the Dasara festivities concluded, following which officials visited the location to assess the situation and carry out the rescue operation.