A sense of fear and panic has spread across several villages under the Digapahandi forest range in Odisha’s Ganjam district after a viral video allegedly showing a leopard roaming in nearby hills surfaced on social media.
The incident has triggered anxiety among residents in the Chikiti section area, with villagers reportedly avoiding stepping outdoors after sunset amid fears of possible movement of the wild animal near human settlements.
Villagers Suspect Leopard Movement Near Ratnei
According to local reports, villagers believe a leopard has been moving around the hilly forest areas adjoining Ratnei village under the Digapahandi forest range over the past few days.
Though the Forest Department has not officially confirmed the presence of the animal, repeated claims from villagers along with the viral video have heightened concern in the region.
Residents say fear has intensified to the extent that many households are shutting doors early in the evening and avoiding unnecessary outdoor movement after dark.
People are also reportedly hesitant to travel through roads passing close to forest stretches, fearing a sudden encounter with the suspected big cat.
Forest Department Installs Trap Cameras
Following complaints from villagers, forest officials have initiated surveillance measures in the area to verify the presence and movement of the suspected leopard.
Officials under the Digapahandi forest range have installed trap cameras inside nearby forest patches and vulnerable zones to monitor wildlife activity.
Forest personnel are also conducting field surveillance across surrounding hills and adjoining forest areas.
Authorities Urge Public Not To Panic
The Forest Department has appealed to residents not to panic and advised people to remain cautious while travelling through isolated or forest-adjacent areas.
Officials have also urged villagers not to spread rumours or unverified information regarding the incident.
Residents have been asked to immediately inform forest authorities if they notice any fresh sighting, footprints or suspicious animal movement in the area.
No Official Confirmation Yet
Despite growing fear among villagers, authorities have not yet officially confirmed whether a leopard is indeed present in the region.
The situation, however, continues to remain tense in several affected villages as locals await clarity from the Forest Department while remaining on alert following the viral video and reports of suspected wildlife movement.
