Thane leopard sighting fake alert: No leopard in Manpada; viral image is AI-generated Cheetah

Pic/Special Arrangement

Fear gripped parts of densely populated Thane for days after a viral message claimed a leopard had been spotted in Manpada near Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

The message, widely shared across social media platforms, triggered panic among residents before the forest department clarified that the image circulating online was fake and AI-generated.

Forest Department Confirms No Leopard Found in Manpada

However, the Forest Department, after verifying the information being shared online, clarified that the image circulated with the message does not show a leopard but a cheetah. Officials said the claim of a leopard sighting in the area is false.

According to forest officials, the image in question is suspected to be AI-generated and may have been deliberately circulated to create panic. The department has urged citizens not to believe or forward unverified messages, images or videos on social media, and to cross-check such information with official sources.

The Forest Department has also appealed to residents to contact local forest officials directly to verify any wildlife-related information. Officials warned that strict action will be taken against individuals found spreading fake or AI-generated content that leads to unnecessary fear or public alarm.