Leopard Scare in Tatanagar Railway Yard Triggers Panic, Forest Department Begins Intensive Surveillance

Jamshedpur:

A suspected leopard sighting inside the Tatanagar railway yard has created widespread panic in Jamshedpur and nearby areas after a video showing a wild animal moving through dense bushes went viral on social media. The footage, circulated rapidly across various platforms, has left residents and railway workers anxious about safety.

Railway Administration Alerts Forest Department

Taking the matter seriously, the Tatanagar railway administration immediately contacted the Forest Department fearing possible danger to human life and railway operations. An official letter along with the viral video was sent to Jamshedpur DFO Saba Alam Ansari seeking urgent intervention and a possible rescue operation.

Officials stated that the section of the railway yard where the animal was reportedly seen is considered highly sensitive because railway staff remain active there round-the-clock and train shunting activities are regularly carried out.

Expert Team Rushed to Spot

Following the alert, the Forest Department launched a rapid response operation. On the instructions of DFO Saba Alam Ansari, an expert team headed by wildlife researcher Imran and forester Mithun was dispatched to the railway yard for assessment and monitoring.

Four Trap Cameras Installed

To verify the identity of the animal, the Forest Department has installed four trap cameras at strategic locations within the railway yard.

Officials said the surveillance footage will help determine whether the creature seen in the viral video is actually a leopard or another species of large wild cat. Until confirmation is received, the department is not ruling out any possibility.

Fear Grips Railway Colonies

The incident has triggered fear among residents living in railway colonies and nearby localities. The concern is particularly high because several portions of the railway yard remain isolated and heavily overgrown with bushes, creating an ideal environment for wild animals to hide.

Railway personnel working night shifts are reportedly carrying out duties under constant tension amid uncertainty over the animal’s presence.

Advisory Issued for Public Safety

In response to the situation, the Forest Department and railway authorities have jointly issued a public advisory asking people to remain cautious.

Residents have been advised:

• Not to walk alone near railway tracks or bushy deserted stretches at night.
• Not to allow children outside unaccompanied.
• Not to approach, provoke, or attempt to film any wild animal if spotted.

Authorities have urged citizens to immediately inform officials in case of any fresh sighting.

Special Surveillance to Continue

Forest officials confirmed that intensified patrolling and surveillance operations will continue in and around the railway yard until the situation becomes clear through trap camera footage and field investigation.

“Based on a preliminary review of the video footage received from the Tatanagar railway administration, the creature appears to resemble a large wild cat. However, we are not ruling out any possibilities. To ascertain the truth, our team has installed four trap cameras. Once confirmed, a rescue operation will be conducted in accordance with established protocols,” said DFO Saba Alam Ansari.