Forest officials in Uttar Pradesh have captured 23 leopards under an initiative called Operation Leopard, while three of the animals were found dead. The effort followed reports of fear among residents in several villages who avoided leaving their homes because of the presence of the big cats. The Forest Department placed nearly 50 traps in the affected areas to catch the leopards and move them away from places where people live.

The operation was launched after the leopards caused concern in multiple villages. People in those areas remained indoors due to the risk posed by the animals. Officials responded by deploying traps across the zones where the leopards had been reported.

Nearly 50 traps were installed to secure the animals safely. The captured leopards are to be relocated to locations distant from human settlements. Three leopards were discovered dead during the process.

The action aims to reduce the threat to villagers by separating the leopards from inhabited areas. No further details on the exact locations of the villages or the timing of individual captures were provided in the available information.