Mysore/Mysuru, April 18 -- Residents of Siddarthanagar had alerted Forest officials about a suspected leopard sighting as early as 6 am yesterday.

A rapid response team was deployed and combed the area, but found no pugmarks or supporting CCTV evidence. Officials initially suspected that the animal may have been mistaken for a civet cat and called off the search. However, the earlier alert was validated hours later when a leopard was found inside a house in the locality around 11.30 am.

Residents said that the animal, possibly disturbed by traffic and human activity, may have moved across rooftops while trying to find a safe spot.

Troops of monkeys reportedly raised alarm calls from early morning, but the signs went largely unnoticed. ...