The leopard had been spotted limping around Chinnavandisolai village, some 20 Kms from here, 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 yesterday.
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.