Pune: A leopard sighting at Torna Fort in the Rajgad Taluka has caused panic among tourists and locals over the past four to five days. The animal was last seen on Monday (January 20) near the Hanuman Buruj on the fort.

Forest officials reached the site on Monday (January 20) to assess the situation and recommended temporarily closing the fort to tourists for two to three days to ensure safety and allow the leopard to leave the area.

The leopard was spotted resting near the Hanuman Buruj, and when tourists attempted to take photos and videos, it reportedly charged toward them. The frightened tourists ran for safety, while dogs and monkeys on the fort created further commotion.

The noise alerted Dadu Wegre and Raju Borane, guards from the Archaeological Department, who promptly evacuated the tourists and workers engaged in maintenance work on the fort.

The guards ensured that everyone was safely escorted down from the fort and stationed themselves at the Lakkadkhan area to prevent new visitors from entering.

Later, a team led by Forest Range Officer Govind Langote, including officials Manoj Taru, Vaishali Hadwale, and Swapnil Umbarkar, inspected the area. They observed that the leopard was hiding in bushes near the Hanuman Bastion. The animal remained hidden when it heard human voices and emerged only when the area fell silent.

Forest officials emphasized that maintaining a quiet environment is essential for the leopard to move away naturally. Consequently, they advised restricting entry to the fort for two to three days. Guard Dadu Wegre mentioned that he would send a formal request to the Tehsildar’s office to implement the closure.

Forest and Archaeological Department personnel will patrol the routes leading to Torna Fort from Velhe and Metpilavare to ensure tourists do not enter during this period.

Dadu Wegre, Archaeological Department Guard: “We will station personnel on the roads leading to Torna Fort to prevent tourists from entering until it is safe.”

Govind Langote, Forest Range Officer, Rajgad Taluka: “The Sahyadri mountain range, where Torna Fort is located, is a natural habitat for leopards. Activities like bringing dogs and consuming meat on the fort may have attracted the leopard. It is vital to maintain silence for the animal to leave the area peacefully.”