Leopard captured after 10-hour ordeal in Daman sweet shop

A leopard that strayed into a sweet shop in Nani Daman triggered a tense 10-hour rescue operation before being safely captured, officials said.

The forest department received reports around 11:30 am on Tuesday about the leopard inside the shop. Police and forest officials quickly cordoned off the area, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Harshraj Wathore told reporters.

During the operation, the big cat was found perched on a staircase on the building’s third floor. The rescue team deployed tranquillising guns, nets, and a cage , but the leopard remained aggressive , attempting to attack personnel multiple times. A forest department staff member sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital in stable condition, Wathore added.

Given the situation’s severity, the Valsad forest department in Gujarat was informed, and a rapid response team from Dahanu, Maharashtra, joined the operation. The Dahanu team successfully darted the leopard, which was then secured in a trap cage. Senior officials, including District Collector Saurabh Mishra , were present during the rescue.

Officials noted that the leopard had been sighted in Daman’s urban areas over the past two days. It was first spotted near Dhobi Talav on Monday night before entering the sweet shop.