Varthur and surrounding areas started to approach a semblance of normalcy with schools opening and forest officials dispersing on Friday.
Schools took the opportunity to educate students on the man-animal conflict. However, many schools have decided to restrict outdoor activities for nearly a week.
Dakshayini Kanna, Principal of Harvest International School, said the students were briefed about man-animal conflict during the assembly and advised not to panic. “The rumours seem to be continuing. We have asked students to be careful and have stepped up security,” she said. She added that nature walks and outdoor games have been suspended for a week.
However, excited discussions on the big cat refused to die down. Prarthana S., a Class 8 student whose school is in Whitefield, said she was still apprehensive of going to school but her parents had persuaded her to go. “All of us discussed different versions of the rumours. Messages and pictures on social media had been circulating for two days,” she said.
Vibgyor High School in Marathahalli will reopen on Monday as it is in the process of stepping up security.
Meanwhile, after an exhausting three days and nights of answering hoax calls, and addressing ‘leopard’ sightings, officials of the Forest Department petered out of the Varthur-Gunjur area.
Three cages that had been brought to the area will remain there to allay the fears of locals while a beat officer will continue to visit the area regularly, officials said.
