Tension gripped Kolhapur after a leopard was spotted in the city late Monday night. Forest officials launched a search operation, but the animal managed to evade capture for several hours.

On Tuesday afternoon, women working near Vivekananda College reported seeing the leopard. Shahupuri police and forest officials quickly arrived and began a rescue effort.

During the operation, the leopard, which was hiding in a tree, suddenly attacked police constable Krushnat Patil from Shahupuri Police Station. He fell to the ground but fought back with a stick. The leopard then attempted to climb back up the tree.

Following the attack, authorities sealed off the area and stepped up patrols around Nagala Park, Vivekananda College, Woodland Hotel, BSNL Office, and the MSEDCL compound. Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid crowds, and refrain from going out at night.

Officials say the leopard is still on the loose as combined teams from the Forest Department and police continue the search. The incident has left the upscale Nagala Park neighborhood in fear, recalling previous leopard sightings in Kolhapur.