A leopard from the nearby Chandimandir forest sent shockwaves through the upscale Sector 6 of Panchkula, triggering a dramatic three-hour standoff that culminated in the animal's narrow escape back to the wild. The big cat's unexpected urban prowl, which brought it perilously close to the residence of former Army chief General V P Malik, has reignited serious concerns about human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Close Encounters and a Narrow Miss
The alarm was first raised near House Number 280 in the affluent sector. A resident, returning from a medical appointment on his motorcycle, had a heart-stopping near-collision with the leopard. "I was on my motorcycle when I saw it," the resident recounted. "It slipped right in front of me, and I had to stop immediately. Within seconds, it leaped toward the next house, and with a third jump, it entered the premises." The agile animal then navigated through several adjoining gardens, scaling boundary walls with ease, before finally seeking refuge in an under-construction house.
Neighborhood Lockdown and a High-Profile Alert
The leopard's choice of hideout sent labourers at the construction site scrambling to the upper floors for safety. The drama unfolded in a high-profile neighborhood, with former Army chief General V P Malik's home sharing a common wall with the building where the leopard hunkered down. "We share a common wall with the house where the leopard took shelter," General Malik stated. "The workers who were inside quickly went to the top floor. We immediately informed the police and forest officials." Police swiftly cordoned off the lane, instructing residents to stay indoors, while forest department teams arrived armed with nets, cages, and sticks to coordinate a rescue.
The Great Escape and Lingering Concerns
However, the planned tranquilizer operation was preempted by the leopard itself. Just as officials were arranging sedation equipment, the big cat made a sudden and powerful break for freedom. "We were in the process of arranging tranquilizing assistance and rescue equipment when the leopard suddenly jumped across the boundary wall and bolted," explained forest official R P Dangi. The leopard dashed across a nearby highway, narrowly avoiding traffic, before disappearing into the thickets of the Chandimandir forest.
While the incident concluded without any injuries, the three-hour tension has sparked urgent warnings from authorities. Forest officials believe the leopard likely strayed into the urban area in search of prey or after being disturbed in its natural habitat. In response, they have issued critical safety advice for residents:
- Do not attempt to chase or surround a wild animal.
- Avoid crowding the area if a sighting is reported.
- Immediately notify the police or forest department via emergency helplines.
This event underscores the increasing instances of wildlife encroachment into urban Panchkula, prompting calls for heightened awareness and proactive measures to ensure coexistence.
