Pune, 25 November 2025: A major joint inspection was carried out on Monday around the Pune Airport area as the search for the leopard spotted last week continues.
Officials from the forest department, the Indian Air Force (IAF), airport operations staff, and the RESQ Foundation participated in what is being described as one of the most extensive on-ground assessments since the animal was last seen on November 19.
The inspection team included assistant conservator of forests Mangesh Tate, IAF wing commander Y. S. Singh, range forest officer Suresh Varak, round officers Sheetal Khendke and Pramod Raskar, and wildlife experts Kiran Rahalkar and Ninad from the RESQ Foundation.
Officials first checked the K4 location, where the leopard had been sighted earlier. The three camera traps installed there have not recorded any new movement. Multiple tunnels near the Pune Airport, previously suspected as possible hideouts, were also inspected. The IAF has now sealed all tunnel entrances.
Despite this, authorities believe the leopard could still be hiding in the dense vegetation around the airfield, which makes detection difficult. The joint field inspection will continue on Wednesday.
Deputy conservator of forests Mahadev Mohite said that once there is a fresh sighting or camera footage, the department will immediately decide whether to place a trap cage or use other safe methods to capture the leopard.
Surveillance around Pune Airport has been further strengthened as the search operation moves into its next phase.