In an unexpected turn of events, a family residing in Pilla Reddy Layout, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, had a close encounter with a leopard that wandered into their home early Thursday morning. The family, comprising Venkatesh, his wife Venkatalakshmi, and their son Nikhil, managed to lock the big cat inside their bedroom and escape unharmed, thanks to their quick thinking and swift action. The incident unfolded as the family went about their morning routine, only to be startled by the sight of a leopard inside their house. Overcoming their initial shock and fear, they quickly rushed out, securing the door from the outside to prevent the animal from escaping into the neighborhood.
Venkatesh immediately alerted their neighbors and contacted the local police and forest department. Responding promptly, a forest team arrived at the scene with tranquilizer equipment. They successfully sedated the leopard and safely caged it, ensuring the animal’s well-being and the safety of the residents. A large crowd gathered to witness the dramatic rescue operation, prompting police to be deployed to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents. The forest officials confirmed that the leopard was from the nearby Bannerghatta National Park, as Jigani is known for frequent wildlife movements, including leopards and elephants. The forest department continues to monitor the situation to ensure the safe relocation of the leopard back to its natural habitat.