RAIPUR (India CSR): In a disturbing incident, an elephant calf in Chhattisgarh’s Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) suffered injuries from a suspected potash bomb blast. Authorities have launched a full investigation, suspecting that the explosive might have been set to target wildlife, including elephants or wild boars.
Discovery of Blood Trails and Bomb Fragment
The incident was first reported when the Risgaon Forest Range’s Ranger noticed blood traces in the Saaltor beat area of USTR, a part of the reserve where a herd of 38-40 elephants had recently been seen. During their investigation, forest officials discovered fragments of a potash bomb, confirming suspicions of an explosion.
Following the discovery, an anti-poaching team began tracking blood stains and footprints across a six-kilometre stretch of the tiger reserve. Deputy Director of USTR, Varun Jain, confirmed the involvement of several wildlife specialists, including CCF Wildlife Satowisha Samaajdar and Dr. Rakesh Verma from Jungle Safari Raipur. Together, they joined with a dog squad and a government drone to aid in locating the injured calf.
Drone Assistance in Locating the Injured Calf
Initial findings indicated that the blast had scattered the herd into smaller groups. On November 10, 2024, after a three-day search led by SDO Udanti Gopal Kashyap, authorities located a young elephant aged 4-5 years. The calf, suffering from injuries to its jaw and leg, was spotted using drone assistance. A veterinary team immediately provided on-site treatment for the calf.
Efforts to Track Down Suspects
In response to the incident, the forest department offered a reward of Rs 10,000 for any information leading to the apprehension of those responsible for placing the potash bomb. Additionally, a dog squad has been deployed to track suspects in the area, and a formal police complaint has been registered to expedite the investigation.
Condition of the Injured Calf and Further Actions
Deputy Director Varun Jain stated that a forest department team, along with veterinary doctors, will assess the calf’s health. “Only after a thorough examination this afternoon can we confirm the exact condition of the injured elephant calf,” he said.
This incident has raised serious concerns over wildlife safety in Chhattisgarh’s reserves, with authorities now committed to intensifying anti-poaching efforts to protect the vulnerable wildlife within Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve.
(India CSR)
इसे हिंदी में भी पढ़ें: छत्तीसगढ़ के टाइगर रिजर्व में संदिग्ध बम विस्फोट से हाथी का बच्चा घायल
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