After the death of four-year-old Hiya Mhase after a leopard mauled her, and the close shave that another 11-year-old encountered in Khadak Pada at Aarey Milk Colony, authorities from the Thane Forest Department had swung into action and had set two traps to capture the leopard. But, it seems that officials have reverted to their old ways, as locals allege that the guards aren’t present at the trap sites and the patrolling has reduced.

Trap: One of the cages placed near Mhase’s residence in Khadak Pada. Locals complain that officials don’t even change the bait inside the cage, forcing them to do so. Pic/Sameer Markande