In a rescue operation lasting six hours, a leopard that had fallen into a septic tank while hunting a cat was freed by the forest department. The incident took place in Dongripar village in the Sihawa forest range. The leopard, known for hunting chickens, goats, and ducks in the village, fell into a 10-foot-deep septic tank that contained three feet of water. While the leopard remained silent, the cat perched on its back cried intermittently. Chetan Kashyap, the tank’s owner, recounted hearing the cat’s cries early Tuesday morning around 4 am. Upon investigation, he found the unusual sight of a silent leopard with a meowing cat on its back.

 

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Jadhav Srikrishna, along with his staff and Sihawa police station in-charge, arrived at the scene by noon. By then, a crowd had gathered around the site. Following DFO Jadhav’s instructions, the area within a 50-meter radius was cordoned off. The rescue team used a JCB to dig around the septic tank and break its wall, creating an escape route for the animals. By 6 pm, the leopard swiftly emerged from the tank and headed towards Kumbhaj Rishi mountain, followed by the cat, which also vanished. Villagers reported that the leopard had been preying on small animals in the area for the past month.

 

DFO Jadhav Srikrishna informed that leopards, which prey on small animals like large rats and rabbits, are increasing in number. This could explain why the leopard attacked the cat. There’s a chance it may return to the village, and if disturbed, it could become aggressive. Both departmental employees and villagers need to stay vigilant. Over the last two years, six leopards have died due to various reasons. Most recently, on May 26, the body of a female leopard was discovered in a farmer’s garden in Viranpara.