Following rumours about a leopard’s presence in the Club Road, Camp and Ganeshpur areas of Belagavi city, the Forest Department has intensified its inspection drive. After receiving information that a leopard was allegedly spotted behind Lingaraj College and near the CPED ground, trap cameras and cages have been installed in the area over the past four days. However, officials have clarified that no evidence confirming the presence of a leopard has been found so far.

Apart from the CPED ground, trap cameras have also been installed at key locations in the Racecourse area, Ganeshpur and Camp, with cages placed at multiple points to monitor the situation. Forest officials stated that the operation will continue for the next few days as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, a video claiming to show a leopard roaming in the locality went viral on social media on Wednesday. The Forest Department has clarified that the animal seen in the video is not a leopard but a jungle cat. This clarification has brought relief to local residents.

Assistant Conservator of Forests Nagaraj Balehosur (ACF) said, “The animal seen in the viral video is not a leopard but a jungle cat. Clear photographs of the animal have been captured in the trap cameras installed by the Forest Department.”

He further added that the cages will remain in place for another two to three days, and the area will be closely monitored for the next four days. If no movement of any other wild animal is detected, the trap cameras and cages will be removed.

The Forest Department has urged citizens not to believe in rumours and to cooperate with the authorities.