The leopard had been spotted limping around Chinnavandisolai village, some 20 km from Udhagamandalam, since June 11 by the people.
The feline was caught in a noose meant to trap wild boars at an estate and had injured one of its legs while freeing itself.
The leopard was later found trapped the pond in a village on the suburbs of Coonoor where it had gone to drink water, following which villagers informed the forest department officials around 5.30 PM on Sunday.
Police said the officials placed a cage near the pond and planned to tranquilise it when it would come out.
However, forest officials or veterinarians could not be present at the spot as a team had been deputed to the outskirts of Coimbatore to capture a rogue elephant, which had been creating panic among the people for the last one year, police said.
Another team of officials rushed to the spot this morning and found the leopard dead, they said.
Villagers alleged that the negligence of the department in attending the injured leopard on time had led to its death.
Get Breaking news, live coverage, and Latest News from India and around the world on NDTV.com. Catch all the Live TV action on NDTV 24x7 and NDTV India. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram for latest news and live news updates.
