A leopard was killed after being hit by an unidentified vehicle near the Vikravandi toll plaza on the Chennai–Trichy National Highway (NH-45) in Viluppuram district around midnight on Tuesday.
According to police sources, the leopard was attempting to cross the flyover near the toll plaza when a speeding vehicle struck it, killing the animal instantly. The driver of the vehicle did not stop and fled the scene.
Motorists passing through the stretch noticed the dead leopard and informed the Vikravandi Police Station and the Forest Department. Soon after, officials from both departments reached the spot, conducted an inspection, and recovered the carcass. The leopard’s body was later sent for a post-mortem examination at the government veterinary hospital to determine the exact cause of death.
Forest officials stated that leopards are rarely seen in the Vikravandi region, and this unexpected incident has raised questions about how the animal reached the area. It is suspected that the leopard might have wandered from a distant forest range while searching for food or water.
The sudden death of the leopard has caused concern among local residents and wildlife enthusiasts. The Forest Department has launched an investigation to trace the leopard’s origin and urged motorists to drive cautiously, particularly on highways passing through or near wildlife movement corridors, to prevent such tragic accidents.
