The incident came to light early in the morning when villagers heard loud growls and discovered the big cat trapped at the bottom of the well

Locals gathered around in shock as the panther paced inside the well, resting on a rocky ledge above the water

Forest officials, led by Round Officer Lahanu Gavde, rushed to the site. To move the reluctant animal, water was pumped into the well from a distance, gradually raising the level and forcing the panther to shift

As the water rose, a metal cage was carefully lowered into the well, creating a safe trap for the panther

After hours of waiting, the panther finally stepped into the cage, allowing the rescue team to lift it out safely after a 36-hour operation. Pic/By Special Arrangement

The approximately five-year-old panther was examined, found fit, and released back into its natural habitat, marking a successful end to the dramatic rescue.