Karnataka: Leopard enters Tumakuru home as couple watches TV, captured after 6-hour operation

New Delhi: In yet another case of the impact of deforestation and human-animal conflict, a leopard entered a house in a village in Karnataka’s Tumakuru district. The incident left a couple living in the house terrified. They were reportedly watching television when they spotted the animal inside their home.

The leopard had killed and carried away a baby goat, before entering the house.

The incident was reported from Bandigowdanapalya village near Huliyurdurga in Kunigal taluk. The animal entered the house at around 9 pm, said a report in NDTV. The leopard entered the house of Chikkamariyappa and his wife, Narasamma. Before that it was seen roaming around the village.

In fact the residents of the village had spotted the leopard moving in and around the village for several weeks now. The spotting had left many villagers worried about the safety of their cattle and also their own safety.

On Tuesday night, their fears came true. The leopard attacked a baby goat and carried it away. It then entered the home of the couple. They were caught off guard, but still managed to escape. Narasamma spotted the animalb and quickly rushed out of the house, closing the door behind her. This prevented any untoward incident, which could have happened, if there had been an encounter with the animal.

The leopard remained inside the home and hid under a cot.

Forest Department officials catch animal

The villagers informed the Forest Department regarding the incident. Officials arrived there and began a search for the leopard. However, finding it proved to be a difficult task.

Finally the Forest Department officials managed to spot the leopard after a 6-hours long search. They then tranquilised the animal and captured it. Among those involved in the operation was Kiran, an anaesthetist from Bannerghatta. She helped tranquilise the animal and finally capture it.

The leopard’s capture brought relief for the villagers.