While there have been speculations among the public in Vasai if an errant leopard is still around, a forest department staff member, requesting anonymity, told mid-day that the animal has been caught on cameras that have been installed and authorities are taking best possible efforts to prevent any human-wildlife conflict. The Forest Department officials have appealed to the people to not panic or believe in rumours that local news channels are spreading through social media channels.

A Forest Department official said, “Some people and a local media channel are spreading rumours saying that the forest department is not doing anything. The forest department is closely monitoring the activity of the leopard using camera traps and live cameras. All proactive measures needed at the moment are being followed. By maligning the leopard, the media platform is creating panic which can be dangerous for the safety of the leopard.”