Three-year-old boy miraculously escapes leopard attack on Tirumala trekking route

TIRUPATI: A three-year-old boy narrowly escaped a leopard attack near the 7th mile along the Alipiri-Tirumala pedestrian route on Thursday night.

The swift response from the local vendors, TTD vigilance and security guards and trekking devotees averted a tragedy. They chased away the leopard and rescued the child from its clutches. He was Kaushik, a native of Adoni

According to preliminary information provided by the TTD, a leopard on the prowl pounced on the boy and dragged him into the dense Seshachalam forest area. Local vendors and vigilance guards immediately sprang into action, raised an alarm and several persons chased the leopard into the dense forest and pelted stones at the animal. This caused it to retreat in fear, ultimately releasing the boy.

The vigilance and security sleuths shifted the injured child to Sri Padmavathi Children’s Hospital in Tirupati. His condition was stated to be stable.

Expressing relief, an eyewitness said that the child's escape was miraculous. He said that the swift intervention and courage of people, including the guards, locals and devotees present at the scene prevented a major tragedy.

TTD executive officer Dharma Reddy rushed to the spot and reviewed the arrangements to ensure the safety of the trekking devotees and locals in the region. He advised the TTD forest wing officials to increase their efforts to monitor and manage the wildlife population to prevent further human-animal conflicts.

TTD has advised the trekking pilgrims to remain vigilant, adhere to safety guidelines, and report any wildlife sightings or encounters to the concerned authorities.