Panic has gripped Nahar village in Jambusar taluka after a leopard was reportedly spotted late at night near the village high school and Pooja Vidyamandir area. A motorist traveling from Jambusar to Kavi claimed to have seen the leopard and captured its photograph on a mobile phone, which later went viral on social media.
For the past four to five days, farmers and villagers in and around Nahar had been discussing the possible movement of a wild animal in nearby fields. On Sunday night around 12:48 AM, the animal was reportedly seen clearly, strengthening suspicions that a leopard is roaming in the area.
It is worth noting that leopard sightings in Jambusar taluka are not unprecedented. About a year ago, a leopard was captured on camera roaming near a madrasa in Sarod village. However, no incidents of human attack or casualties have been reported so far due to leopard movement in the region.
Despite the absence of past fatal incidents, the current sighting has created fear among villagers, especially farmers who venture into fields during early morning or late night hours. The proximity of the sighting to a school and residential area has further raised concerns.
Villagers have urged the Forest Department to take immediate preventive measures, including:
- Installing cages in suspected movement zones
- Increasing night patrols
- Issuing safety advisories for residents
- Ensuring protection for farmers and children
So far, no official confirmation has been issued by forest authorities, but locals expect swift action to capture the leopard and restore a sense of safety.
Residents are advised to avoid venturing out alone at night, keep children indoors after dark, and immediately report any sightings to forest officials or local police.
