Hyderabad: Panic gripped devotees on Tirumala’s second ghat road after a leopard was spotted near the roadside, triggering immediate alerts to forest and TTD officials.
The big cat appeared suddenly while pilgrims were travelling along the route, causing visible distress among those who witnessed it. Officials were informed without delay and reached the area to investigate.
Preliminary checks indicated that the leopard had retreated into the forest after loud human sounds startled it. Authorities are currently examining pugmarks to determine its movement.
Forest officials assured that all necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the animal from straying towards the pilgrim routes.
This is not an isolated incident. Over the past few months, there has been a noticeable rise in wild animal activity in the Tirumala region – particularly along the Alipiri footpath and both ghat roads. Devotees have reported increased sightings of leopards, Indian crested porcupines, and even sloth bears.
With memories of past encounters still fresh, many pilgrims are growing anxious. In response, TTD officials have ramped up monitoring and are working with forest personnel to manage the situation and ensure pilgrim safety.
