So far, the forest officials have caught six leopards around the walkway. Three were later released and three were kept in permanent captivity.
One of the pedestrian routes to the Tirumala temple. (Wikimedia Commons)
The recent sighting of two leopards near the walkway to Tirumala in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve area brings back tragic memories of Lakshita, besides panicking devotees. Lakshita, aged six, was walking along the pedestrian route when a leopard dragged her into the forest in August 2023. So far, the forest officials have caught six leopards around the walkway.