Fear has once again spread among residents of Raheja Heights in Mumbai’s Goregaon East after a leopard was reportedly seen entering the residential complex during the early hours of May 8. The sighting took place between 2 am and 2.15 am in the Dindoshi area, leaving locals anxious about repeated wildlife movement inside the housing society. According to a social media post shared by Dahisarkarofficial, the leopard was first noticed near the parking area of the complex. CCTV footage captured the animal quietly walking around the premises while carefully scanning its surroundings before moving deeper into the compound without causing immediate disturbance to residents.
The latest incident has intensified concerns among residents as this marks the third leopard sighting reported within the premises of Raheja Heights in recent months. People living in the society are increasingly worried about their safety, especially during late-night and early-morning hours when movement inside the compound is usually low. Exactly one month earlier, on April 7, another leopard had entered the same residential complex. CCTV footage from that incident, later shared by NewsMinute on X, showed the animal wandering close to the D Wing around midnight. Prior to that, on March 17, a leopard was also spotted inside the society and had reportedly killed a dog, triggering fear among pet owners and families.
Raheja Heights is a large gated residential township featuring several high-rise towers, landscaped gardens, parking areas, and open spaces. The housing complex is situated close to hilly and forested regions, from where the leopard is suspected to have strayed into the residential zone. Due to the society’s proximity to natural terrain, wildlife movement has become a growing concern for residents living in the area. Authorities believe that shrinking forest boundaries and increased urban expansion may be contributing to repeated leopard sightings near human settlements. Residents have urged officials to strengthen monitoring measures and ensure better safety arrangements to prevent further incidents inside the housing complex.
Following repeated leopard sightings in the surrounding areas earlier this year, the Forest Department had organised a special awareness campaign for residents to reduce panic and educate them about safety precautions. During the session, forest officer Hemant Phanse informed residents about the necessary steps to avoid leopard attacks and explained how people should react if they encounter the wild animal. Nikhil Bangar also spoke about leopard behaviour and movement patterns to help residents better understand the animal’s psychology. Another official, Niket Shinde, informed attendees about preventive measures already introduced in the area, including the installation of CCTV cameras for tracking leopard movement near residential neighbourhoods.
Residents attending the awareness drive were advised to take several preventive steps to reduce the possibility of leopards entering housing societies. Officials asked people to maintain cleanliness around residential compounds and ensure that garbage or food waste does not attract stray animals, which could in turn draw leopards into populated areas. Residents were also instructed to improve lighting in isolated corners and vulnerable spots within the premises to increase visibility during nighttime hours. Authorities further recommended raising the height of fencing around residential complexes to minimise wildlife intrusion. The Forest Department has continued urging citizens to stay alert, avoid panic, and immediately report any leopard sightings to officials.