A wild leopard rampaged through an office just before staff went on their lunch break in India.

The big cat wandered into the compound of a government building, sending technicians fleeing in Rajgurunagar, Maharashtra on July 10.

Footage shows the animal hiding behind piles of boxes beside a desk. The officer manager said he quickly went out and closed the door behind him to lock the leopard inside while waiting for rescuers.

The senior technician Shanta Shelke said: ‘I was on duty when the leopard came. I secured the door to prevent any harm.'

Forest department officers arrived at the office to capture the leopard. It was returned to its habitat without anyone harmed.

There were two recent signings of leopard in the Pune district sparking concerns among residents.

One was captured crossing a road in Dive Ghat and stalled passing motorcycle riders. Another one was spotted in Katraj Ghat near a school and reported by caretakers.

The leopard population in India has grown from 12,852 in 2018, to 13,874 in 2022, according to the 'Status of Leopards in India 2022' report, released by the Union Environment Ministry on February 29.

The development of homes in and around forests has led to an increase in conflicts with humans.