Leopard attacks three-year-old boy in Alipiri-Tirumala path, captured

TIRUPATI: After an intense 24-hour search operation, the authorities have successfully captured the leopard which attacked a three-year-old boy at the 7th mile along Alipiri-Tirumala trekking path. The incident occurred on Thursday night when the leopard targeted young Kaushik from Adoni in Kurnool district while he was walking with his grandfather.

The leopard pounced on Kaushik and dragged him into the nearby forest. However, the big cat let the boy go after the local police, TTD security guards and local vendors startled the animal by pelting stones and using flashlight.  

The injured boy was immediately rushed to Padmavathi Children's Hospital in Tirupati for medical treatment. Although he sustained injuries behind his ear, doctors have confirmed that his condition is not life-threatening. Currently, he is receiving treatment at the hospital and is reported to be out of danger.

TTD Executive Officer A.V. Dharma Reddy said, "Two town sub-inspector Ramesh and five to six police guards, along with some local vendors, chased the leopard, flashing their cell phone lights. They shouted loudly, made noises which prompted the leopard to release the boy."

After the leopard vanished into the forest, first aid was given to the boy and shifted him to the hospital.  

After the incident, the TTD officials implemented measures to ensure safety of devotees and to save them from wild animal attacks on the ghat roads and trekking routes. Collaborating with the forest department, the TTD installed 150 camera traps to monitor the leopard's movements. After the leopard spotted between Gali gopuram and Narasimha Swamy temple along the pedestrian route, the authorities have placed two baited traps to capture it. The comprehensive plan paid off when the leopard was trapped in a cage at approximately 10:45 pm Friday night, bringing the search operation to a successful conclusion.