Leopard Enters Kota's Chhatra Vilas Garden, Climbs 40-Foot Jamun Tree

(MENAFN- IANS) Jaipur, Sep 8 (IANS) A leopard entered a park in Rajasthan's Kota city early on Tuesday, triggering panic among morning walkers and visitors.

The leopard came into the Chhatra Vilas Garden, commonly known as CB Garden, at around 6 a.m. and later climbed a Jamun tree nearly 40 feet tall, where it remains as the Forest Department continues efforts to rescue it safely.

At the time the leopard was spotted, around 200 people were reportedly present in the garden for morning walks, yoga and exercise. Panic spread through the park, prompting officials to evacuate the visitors and shut the gates.

Police and Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) personnel have been deployed to secure the area, while people have been advised not to enter the garden.

The Forest Department rescue team reached the spot after receiving information about the leopard.

Veterinary Doctor Akhilesh Pandey attempted to tranquillise the animal from below the tree, but the dart missed its target. A second attempt also failed. Officials initially brought a small crane to enable the team to reach the leopard, but the height of the tree made it difficult to take an accurate shot. A larger crane was subsequently brought to the garden at around 9 a.m.

The crane will be positioned according to the height of the tree, allowing veterinarians to make another attempt to tranquillise the leopard.

A net has been spread beneath the tree as a precautionary measure. Forest Department personnel are also putting additional safety arrangements in place around the tree, while a cage has been ordered for the rescue operation. Officials said that once the leopard is successfully darted, the team will have to wait around 30 minutes for the tranquilliser to take effect before attempting to bring the animal down safely.

A 25-member rescue team, including senior Forest Department officials, has been deployed at the site. DFO Pramod Dhakad said that two veterinary doctors are also present, along with the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) and two Assistant Conservators of Forests (ACFs).

"Upon receiving the information, the rescue team immediately reached CB Garden. The leopard has been spotted sitting on a tree, and efforts are underway to capture it safely," Dhakad said.

The latest incident comes amid reports of leopard sightings in areas around Kota. The animal had previously been spotted near the Army area on Mall Road and near the Health Department office. The Forest Department had also placed a cage in an earlier attempt to capture it, but the leopard was not trapped. Officials said that, so far, the leopard has not attacked anyone. The rescue operation is continuing, with teams preparing for a third attempt to tranquillise the animal.

MENAFN08092026000231011071ID1111633515