In the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh, within the sensitive Cantonment area, there has been an atmosphere of fear for the past ten days due to suspicions of a leopard's presence. An animal resembling a leopard was captured on surveillance cameras at St. Mary's Convent School and near the water tower. Following this, the school was closed, and children's education was moved online.
A forest department team is conducting constant monitoring to capture the suspicious animal. In addition to the school grounds, a cage has also been set up at house number 61 in the Cantonment area. Goats are kept in both enclosures as bait so that if the animal decides to hunt, it will fall into a trap.
The animal appeared on surveillance cameras installed near St. Mary's schoolyard and the water tower. The recordings show the animal occasionally running around the yard or passing by the water tower. Due to safety measures, the school was closed. Currently, children continue to study remotely, while the forest department team monitors the school premises and surrounding areas.
According to Pintu Verma, who is assisting in the animal capture, the presence of a leopard has not yet been confirmed. Neither paw prints nor excrement have been found. Currently, only one video clip is available, in which the animal's identification is unclear. He believes that the animal shown in the recording could belong to feline species. Confirming whether it is a leopard or another animal, such as a fishing cat, is only possible after an investigation.
The forest department has also set up a cage at house number 61 in the Cantonment area. Residents living there reported that three of their goats went missing when the suspicious animal appeared in the area. They suspect that the animal might be responsible for the livestock disappearance. The forest department has stationed personnel for round-the-clock observation at the house, and a forest inspector stated that although a leopard has not been confirmed, the goat enclosure is set up as a precautionary measure. A tracking system and traps have also been organized to monitor the animal's activity.
A parent of one of the students, Sagar Singh, expressed concern among residents, noting that this situation has increased anxiety in families. He stated that sending children to school will be difficult until it is confirmed that the animal has been caught or has left the area.
The forest department has appealed to local residents to avoid going out at night. The team continues its efforts to identify and capture the suspicious animal.
