PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, May 13: A suspected leopard sighting inside the Tatanagar Railway Yard has triggered concern among railway personnel and nearby residents after a video purportedly showing the wild animal moving through dense vegetation went viral on social media.
The footage, reportedly recorded inside the railway premises late on Monday night, appears to show a leopard-like animal moving through overgrown bushes, prompting immediate action from railway and forest authorities.
Railway administration alerts forest department
Taking the matter seriously, the Tatanagar railway administration formally informed Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Saba Alam Ansari and shared the viral video, seeking urgent intervention from the forest department.
The possible presence of a wild predator inside the strategically important railway yard has raised safety concerns, as train shunting operations continue round the clock and hundreds of railway employees remain on duty in the area.
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Forest team begins assessment, trap cameras planned
Acting swiftly, the forest department deployed a specialised team to conduct a detailed assessment of the railway yard and adjoining areas.
Officials said surveillance operations are underway, and trap cameras will be installed to verify the animal’s presence and monitor its movement.
The incident has also created anxiety among families living in nearby railway colonies, especially because large portions of the railway yard are surrounded by thick vegetation and isolated patches that could serve as temporary shelter for a wild animal.
Advisory issued for residents and railway staff
In a joint advisory, railway officials and forest authorities urged people to remain cautious and avoid isolated areas, particularly after sunset.
Residents have also been advised not to approach or attempt to film any suspected wild animal and instead immediately inform the authorities about any sighting.
Patrolling and surveillance inside the railway yard have been intensified as officials await further confirmation through field investigations and trap camera footage.
“Ensuring the safety of railway staff and nearby residents remains our foremost priority. The situation is being closely monitored, and all necessary precautionary measures are in place,” a railway official at Tatanagar said.