<p>A CCTV footage allegedly showing a leopard moving through the streets of Dahanu in Palghar district of <strong><a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/new-year-2026-bmc-steps-up-safety-checks-across-city-mumbai-fire-brigade-inspects-907-places-ahead-of-new-year-celebrations-23609525" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Maharashtra</a> </strong>late at night has gone viral on social media.</p>
<p>The clip has raised concern among local residents and prompted the Forest Department to take immediate action to verify the sighting.</p>
<p>Following the circulation of the video, the Forest Department has initiated a search operation in the area. Officials are checking CCTV footage and conducting field inspections to confirm whether a leopard was indeed spotted within the town limits.</p>
<p>Forest officials have urged residents not to panic and to avoid spreading unverified information, stating that confirmation is still awaited.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A video allegedly showing a leopard roaming the streets of Dahanu late at night has gone viral, prompting the Forest Department to launch a search operation to verify the sighting. Meanwhile, wildlife NGO WCAWA is assisting the Dahanu forest division in spreading awareness about&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/SoEapBhMtq">pic.twitter.com/SoEapBhMtq</a></p>
&mdash; Mid Day (@mid_day) <a href="https://twitter.com/mid_day/status/2004869436885565827?ref_src=twsrc-Etfw">December 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
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<h2>NGO assists in public awareness</h2>
<p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/thane-leopard-sighted-at-pokhran-road-no-2-forest-dept-intensifies-patrolling-23609441" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>wildlife</strong></a> NGO WCAWA is assisting the Dahanu forest division by creating awareness among residents. The organisation is educating people about safety measures to follow in case of a leopard sighting and explaining the proper reporting procedures.</p>
<p>Residents have been advised to remain indoors at night, avoid isolated areas, keep outdoor lights switched on, and immediately inform forest officials if they notice any wild animal movement.</p>
<h2>Authorities urge caution</h2>
<p>The Forest Department has appealed to citizens to stay alert but calm, and to cooperate with officials during the search operation. Further updates will be shared once the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-crime-news/article/baba-siddique-murder-case-mumbai-crime-branch-files-supplementary-chargesheet-against-amol-gaikwad-arrested-in-case-23609300" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>investigation</strong></a> is completed.</p>

The Maharashtra Forest Department has initiated a search operation in Dahanu area of Palghar after a video showing leopard moving through the streets went viral

Maharashtra: Forest dept officials launch search operations after video of leopard sighting in Dahanu goes viral

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A CCTV footage allegedly showing a leopard moving through the streets of Dahanu in Palghar district has gone viral on social media following which the forest department officials have swung into action

Search operations launched after video of leopard sighting in Dahanu goes viral

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