Leopard Enters Rajasthan Minister's Residence: Major Security Alert in Jaipur's VVIP Area

A rescue team immediately arrived at the location and initiated an extensive search operation.

Jaipur:

A significant security alert was issued in Jaipur's VVIP Civil Lines area on Thursday when a leopard reportedly entered the official residence of Rajasthan Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat.

The incident took place in one of the state capital's highest security zones, home to numerous high-ranking officials, including former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, whose bungalow No. 11 is situated directly across from Rawat's residence. The Raj Bhavan, Chief Minister's residence, and various ministerial and senior bureaucratic quarters are also located in the vicinity.

Officials reported that the Forest Department confirmed the leopard's presence after discovering fresh pugmarks within the minister's bungalow premises.

A rescue team promptly arrived at the scene and began a comprehensive search operation. Teams are currently examining the minister's residence and adjacent bungalows to locate the big cat's hiding place.

Upon receiving information about the animal's movement within Civil Lines, the department deployed trained rescue personnel and secured the area.

Officials stated that efforts are ongoing to locate, tranquilize, and safely capture the leopard without causing harm to residents or the animal. Initial assessments indicate the leopard may be concealing itself in a secluded or shaded section of the bungalow complex.

Authorities have also notified local police due to the area's sensitivity. Security has been enhanced, and movement around the affected zone has been limited.

This is not the first leopard sighting within Jaipur's urban limits. On August 21, a similar incident occurred near Gopalpura Turn.

In recent months, leopard movements have been reported in Durgapura, Jaisinghpura, Jagatpura, Kho-Nagorian, and Vidyadhar Nagar in Jaipur.

Wildlife experts believe that diminishing habitat and scarcity of prey in forested areas have driven leopards closer to human settlements. However, an intrusion into a high-security zone like Civil Lines presents a new challenge for both the Forest Department and law enforcement agencies as they work to ensure safety while preventing any confrontation with the animal.