Late Wednesday night, residents of Sector 29 in Chandigarh were left shocked after reports of a leopard roaming near a local dargah surfaced. The unusual sighting quickly triggered panic in the area, prompting immediate action from the forest department and local police teams. According to officials, CCTV cameras installed at the dargah captured the feline moving calmly around the premises. In the footage, the animal can be seen drinking water and wandering near the structure before disappearing from view.
The incident came to light after a woman visiting the dargah noticed the animal and raised an alarm. Her warning alerted people nearby, and locals immediately informed the police and the forest department. Within a short time, officials reached the location and began scanning the area to confirm the presence of the leopard.
Despite conducting a thorough search in and around the dargah premises, forest department teams did not find the animal or any clear traces such as footprints. Officials, however, said they are treating the sighting seriously and will continue monitoring the area closely for the next few days.
Dargah caretaker Aslam Sabri said that a team of around 10 to 12 forest department officials visited the site early Thursday morning to inspect the premises and surrounding locations. Authorities noted that such sightings are unusual in this part of the city, though the presence of open spaces and forest patches nearby could occasionally allow wildlife to wander into urban areas.
As a precautionary measure, police deployed PCR vehicles in the locality to keep watch and ensure the safety of residents. Sector 29 has several residential colonies, a busy market, and open green spaces. The area also has two private schools nearby, which has added to the concerns of local residents.
Officials have advised people to remain alert, particularly during early morning and late evening hours. Forest department teams are expected to keep surveillance in the locality for at least two to three days to ensure the animal does not return or pose a risk to the public.
Incidents of leopards entering human settlements have been reported in the region earlier as well. In December 2025, a leopard had entered a house in nearby Panchkula, leading to a tense three-hour standoff between residents and forest officials. The animal later managed to escape and retreated into the forests near Chandimandir.
Also Read
Jay Pawar Shares Video Allegedly Showing VSR Ventures Owner Rohit Singh Sleeping in Cockpit
Wildlife experts say that such encounters often occur when animals move out of forest areas in search of food or water. Rapid urban expansion and shrinking natural habitats can also push wildlife closer to cities, increasing the chances of such rare sightings.
Summary / Key Highlights:
A suspected leopard sighting was reported near a dargah in Chandigarh’s Sector 29. CCTV footage showed the animal drinking water and roaming around the premises late at night. A woman visitor first noticed the animal and alerted others. Forest department teams searched the area but did not find any traces of the leopard. Authorities have deployed PCR vehicles and advised residents to stay alert while officials continue monitoring the area for the next few days.