Kottayam: Panic gripped Vakathanam on Sunday night following widespread rumours of a leopard sighting in the area. Concerned residents launched an overnight search, scouring the neighbourhood with flashlights. Despite their efforts, no evidence of the animal's presence was found.

The rumours started circulating around 8 pm, with reports claiming that a leopard had been spotted in the Vettikalunku, Kannanchira, and Pandanchira areas. One local resident allegedly saw the animal in his front yard, sparking a flurry of activity. Groups of residents quickly organised to search the vicinity, while others contacted the police and the Forest Department for assistance.

As the panic spread, school teachers in the area began receiving calls from concerned students asking if a holiday would be declared in light of the alleged leopard sighting. Meanwhile, WhatsApp messages warning about the animal's presence- some even suggesting it had escaped from Forest Department custody-quickly went viral.

However, both the police and Forest Department officials later dismissed the rumours as false, confirming that no leopard had been found in the area.

More than 100 people took part in the search, which continued late into the night. Residents also gathered in the Kurumbanadam area. The search efforts were led by Madappally panchayat member-designate Sobichan Kannambally, Vakathanam panchayat member-designate Aji Alex, along with Tony Kuttamperoor, Vinod, former panchayat member Korason Zacharia, Ashwin K Shaji, MS Sunil, Shane Paulson, Binu Mathew and others.

Meanwhile, local businesses said the mounting public fear had begun affecting livelihoods. "People are returning home early due to fear. Our business has been badly hit," said Binu P Kunjumon, who runs a roadside eatery at Njaliyakuzhy.