The photo has been used for symbolic representation. Awakening
Jagran correspondent, Gorakhpur. There was a stir in Lohiyanagar ward number 36 on Wednesday due to the rumor of leopard sighting. As soon as the information was received, the Forest Department team reached the spot and conducted a search operation. However, after investigation it became clear that there was no wildlife present in the area. Footprints found at the spot were found to be those of a dog and a cat. Even after this, the Forest Department team will continue patrolling the area for 10 days as per rules.
Vijay Gupta, a resident of Shiv Nagar Colony of the ward, claimed that two leopards were seen in the verandah of the first floor of his house in the morning. Seeing them he got scared and made noise. He said that as soon as they heard the noise, both the wildlife jumped from the upper floor and ran to the nearby terrace. Due to fear he immediately called acquaintances.
After this, people of the locality gathered and started searching around. During the search, footprints of animals were seen at some places, but they could not be confirmed. Due to apprehension, the people of the locality informed the forest department. On the instructions of DFO Vikas Yadav, the Forest Department team reached the spot and conducted an intensive search operation in the entire area.
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During the search, neither any leopard was found nor any other evidence of its existence was found. DFO said that during investigation by the Forest Department team, the footprints shown by the people were found to be those of a dog and a cat. The investigation has not confirmed the presence of leopard. On the spot, people were made aware to avoid rumors and remain alert. As a precaution, the Forest Department team is keeping an eye on the area.