India, Nov. 26 -- A leopard spotted near Pune airport on Tuesday morning as well as over the weekend, has triggered an urgent joint search by forest officials and the Indian Air Force (IAF). On Tuesday, Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol directed authorities to step up rescue operations and use advanced technology to secure the sensitive area.

Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, stressed that the IAF should provide technical support, as much of the airport falls under its jurisdiction.

He instructed the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the forest department to collaborate more closely and incorporate specialised tools into the ongoing search. "The airport is a highly sensitive zone. All departments have been directed to coordin...