Junagadh Uparkot Fort shut to tourists after leopard sighting; search operation underway

Junagadh: The Uparkot Fort in Junagadh has been closed to tourists after a leopard was spotted on the fort premises on Sunday, with the Forest Department launching a search operation and placing two cages to safely capture the animal.

The leopard was reportedly seen climbing the fort wall near the Dharagadh Gate. Locals and tourists present at the site immediately recorded videos of the animal on their mobile phones.

Following the sighting, locals and tourists moved to safer places. As a precautionary measure and keeping tourist safety in mind, the administration has completely restricted entry to Uparkot Fort for the day.

After being alerted about the leopard, Forest Department teams reached the area near Dharagadh Gate. As increased human movement caused the leopard to flee into nearby bushes and forested areas, the teams launched a search operation and patrolled the surrounding area.

The leopard was reportedly spotted twice again in the fort area during the night. Following the repeated sightings, the Forest Department intensified its efforts and placed two cages inside the fort premises to capture the animal safely.

Forest Department and police teams are monitoring the situation, while police personnel have been deployed outside the fort to prevent tourists from entering the premises.

The fort will remain closed to visitors until the leopard is located and safely captured. Further information about the animal’s movement is expected as the search and monitoring operation continues. DeshGujarat