Global IT giant Cognizant has issued a formal safety advisory to its employees in Pune, urging heightened caution following repeated claims of leopard sightings in areas surrounding its campus. The internal note, dated December 18, 2025, comes amid growing anxiety among the tech workforce in the Hinjewadi-Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park zone.
Advisory Details and Employee Concerns
The advisory instructs staff to avoid isolated and poorly lit zones, limit movement during early morning and late-night hours, and remain vigilant while commuting. This is particularly relevant as the campus is situated close to hilly, forested terrain. The company also provided a list of dos and don'ts for a potential wildlife encounter, which includes staying calm, refraining from sudden movements, maintaining eye contact, and alerting security immediately.
However, the advisory has been met with calls for more substantive action from employees. Speaking to The Indian Express, an unnamed Cognizant employee highlighted the gap between guidelines and ground reality. "We try to leave the office early, but that's not always possible", the employee stated, pointing out that work often extends past 8 PM. "Phase 3 is very close to the campus, and while the sightings may be rumours, many people claim they have seen leopards. We need stronger safety measures instead of just an advisory". Suggested measures include physical fencing, deployment of additional security guards, and temporary work-from-home options for those working late.
Rumours vs. Real Fear in the IT Corridor
Ashutosh Pandey, a member of the Forum for IT Employees and a Hinjewadi resident, noted that the advisory seems "precautionary and driven by local conversations rather than authenticated inputs". He confirmed that while discussions about leopard sightings in Phase 2 and Phase 3 are rampant, the local forest department and police have not provided authenticated confirmation. "Despite that, fear among people is very real due to the terrain and poorly lit stretches", Pandey added. He also observed that other major IT firms in the vicinity have not yet released similar advisories.
The concern is not confined to Cognizant alone. Mukesh P, an employee at Capgemini, shared that the issue has become a staple of workplace dialogue. "People are genuinely scared, especially those who work late hours. This is something we constantly discuss", he said, echoing the call for temporary remote work options until authorities can definitively assess the threat.
What Happens Next?
The situation underscores a broader challenge at the intersection of urban expansion and wildlife corridors in cities like Pune. The IT industry's round-the-clock operations often conflict with safety protocols in such semi-urban settings. For now, employees are left navigating their fear with a list of guidelines, while hoping their employers and local authorities will translate caution into concrete, preventive infrastructure and flexible policies to ensure genuine safety.
