Sun Jan 12 10:25:56 UTC 2025: **Leopard Sighting Near Tirupati Causes Panic, Injury**
TIRUPATI, January 12, 2025 – A leopard sighting near Alipiri, at the foothills of Tirumala, has resulted in a road accident and renewed fear among residents and travelers. A contract employee of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Aswini Hospital, D. Muni Kumar, collided with a road divider after a close encounter with a leopard on Saturday. He sustained serious head and shoulder injuries and is currently recovering at SVIMS hospital.
The incident occurred on Saluva Narasimharaya Marg, close to the Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park. Forest officials confirmed the leopard’s presence through pug marks. This marks the latest in a series of leopard sightings along this road in recent months, raising concerns about the porous border between the six-lane highway and the adjacent Tirumala forest. The area is densely populated with educational institutions and hospitals, many of which lack perimeter CCTV cameras that could help monitor animal movements.
Currently, the Forest Department relies on reports from road users for information on wildlife activity, highlighting the need for a more structured monitoring system. The lack of official mechanisms to track and manage the situation is a growing concern for both the public and local authorities.
First Piper 