PALGHAR | August 31, 2026 — A leopard reportedly caught a small puppy during a late-night chase near the Ganpati temple in Bawda, in the Vangaon-Bawda area of Palghar, but left the animal without apparent injury, according to CCTV footage cited by Loksatta.
The incident occurred in the early hours when the leopard was pursuing a group of dogs near the temple. The larger dogs reportedly escaped, while two puppies were left behind. One of them came within the leopard’s reach.
According to the report, the leopard held the puppy but did not attack it. The animal then left the puppy safely, with the incident recorded by a CCTV camera installed near the location. The footage has subsequently circulated on social media.
The reported encounter comes amid concern among residents of the Vangaon and Bawda areas over leopard activity. The leopard has allegedly been seen in the vicinity for several days, and the report states that several domestic animals have previously been killed in the area.
The CCTV recording shows the leopard approaching the dogs during the night and the puppy remaining in its path after the larger animals ran away. The available report describes the puppy as escaping unharmed, but does not provide details about a veterinary examination or identify the leopard.
The incident has drawn public attention because it differs from earlier reports of domestic animals being attacked in the area. However, the footage alone does not establish why the leopard did not injure the puppy. The report also does not state whether forest officials have formally assessed the incident or issued any new advisory to residents.
The reported next steps from local authorities or the Forest Department were not included in the available account. Residents in the affected area are expected to remain alert at night and report further leopard sightings to the relevant authorities.
