Villagers have gone on record for obstructing officials trying to rescue a stranded leopard in Tumakuru

Despite the efforts of the officials, the leopard jumped down from the tree and ran away. | Image to illustrate | Photo credit: Sourabh Bharti

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

A leopard was spotted perched on a coconut tree in a garden belonging to one Ashwath. Forest officials along with animal husbandry and veterinary department officials rushed to the spot to rescue the animal after it was spotted.

However, the rescue operation was disrupted when a group of about 10 to 15 villagers reportedly gathered at the spot and created ruckus and prevented the officials from capturing the leopard.

Despite the efforts of the officials, the leopard jumped down from the tree and ran away. The villagers reportedly continued to shout and threaten the officials, demanding that they capture the animal. They allegedly warned the attendants that their clothes would be torn off if they did not do so, attacked them on the back and verbally abused them.

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

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

Dr. Prayag was appointed to oversee the welfare of the elephants participating in the Jamboo Savari procession held as part of the Tumakuru Dasara celebrations. The leopard was spotted a day after the Dasara festivities ended, after which officials visited the site to assess the situation and conduct a rescue operation.

Published – 24 Oct 2026 18:47 IST