A reported leopard sighting near the Tirumala Alipiri footpath triggers panic among devotees on the popular pilgrimage route to the Tirumala temple. Multiple outlets report that the incident occurs on Friday, with the animal spotted near the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple along the route. Videos circulating on social media show devotees reacting to the sighting and running away from the area. After information about the leopard reaches authorities, Forest Department personnel rush to the location. Officials attempt to drive the leopard back into the forest by using loud noise and shouting, and they report that the animal eventually retreats into the nearby forest.
Following the incident, Tirumala authorities and officials advise devotees to use the Alipiri footpath only in groups and to avoid walking alone. They also urge heightened vigilance, particularly during night hours, and ask people to alert the Forest Department if they see any wild animal instead of approaching or chasing it. Surveillance and monitoring along the footpath are described as being intensified to watch for wildlife movement and help protect pilgrims, as the route is used daily by large numbers of devotees.
