Patrolling has been intensified in the Kharghar hills after Adivasi villagers from Chafewadi reported spotting a leopard. The sighting has created panic among residents of Chafewadi and nearby Phanaswadi, who have urged the Forest Department to take strong steps to trap and relocate the animal.

Locals said that they had also seen a leopard about four months ago moving from Chafewadi towards Phanaswadi. At that time, forest officials installed CCTV cameras and checked the area for pugmarks, but no proof of the animal’s presence was found.

However, villagers reported another sighting on Tuesday evening near their settlement, increasing fear in the tribal hamlets.

Forest officers had earlier conducted patrolling on the hill, though they could not find the leopard. After the latest report,

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