A leopard that had been alarming residents in Bahraich’s Fakharpur police-station limits was finally captured on Monday after a focused operation by the Forest Department. The animal had been repeatedly sighted around Umri Dehlan village in recent days, prompting growing concern among locals and multiple alerts to authorities.

Acting on these reports, the Forest Department deployed a specialised team to monitor the area and intensify surveillance. Officials said they increased patrolling and set up a strategic trap to ensure both public safety and the safe capture of the animal. After hours of quiet tracking and coordinated effort, the team successfully confined the leopard in a metal cage without causing harm.

Authorities noted that the capture brings considerable relief to villagers who had been avoiding farms and open areas out of fear. The Forest Department is expected to relocate the animal to a secure habitat after necessary health checks. The successful operation underscores the importance of prompt reporting by citizens and coordinated field response by wildlife officials to resolve human–wildlife conflict situations with minimal risk.