Nashik, March 28 A leopard wandered into a residential area in Satpur, Nashik, on Saturday, causing panic among residents, officials said.
The leopard was tranquilized after a four-hour effort by personnel from the forest, police, and district administration, they added.
The big cat was spotted by construction workers around 9 am in the Vitthal-Rukmini Shriram Row House area near Tukaram Garden in Shivajinagar, an official said.
Videos that went viral on social media showed the animals running through the thicket, scaling a compound wall, and scurrying to avoid being caught.
"Since the area is densely populated and also has vacant plots and tree cover, it was difficult to corner the leopard as part of the rescue efforts. The entire area had to be cordoned off, and some roads were blocked. The area was also crowded with onlookers," the official said.
The leopard has been safely moved by the forest department, and further action will be taken according to guidelines on release and rehabilitation, he said.