In a tragic incident in Chhattisgarh’s Balrampur, a farmer was arrested after a wild elephant died of electrocution, officials confirmed to ANI. Forest Department Ranger Nikhil Saxena said the elephant was part of a herd of nine elephants roaming near Murka village. One of the elephants became separated and encountered the electric fence installed by the farmer to protect the paddy crop, resulting in the animal’s death.

The forest department seized bamboo poles and GI wires from the area and filed an FIR against the accused. Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972. Saxena spoke about the need for peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife as conflict incidents escalate, especially in these villages adjacent to the forest.

“A group of nine elephants from Wadrafnagar forest area of ​​Balrampur, while roaming around, headed towards Manikpur forest area. Last night, six of the nine elephants were in the forest area adjoining Murka village and one elephant got separated from the herd. The elephant died after it got stuck in the live cable installed by the accused,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, an injured elephant calf was found in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve and authorities suspect it triggered an improvised bomb known as a potash bomb. Deputy Forest Director Varun Jain noted that blood and bomb residue were found in a 6-7 kilometer area. The injured calf, estimated to be five to six years old, was identified by drone and medical intervention was initiated.

“We also received information that there was scattered blood in the Udanti-Sitandi Tiger Reserve, which is the roaming area of ​​elephants. Upon receiving the information, the Anti-Poaching team followed the footprints in an area of ​​6-7 km and then we reached the area. We learned that an elephant was injured .Our team then found a calf (5-6 years old) with wounds on its legs and mouth through drone cameras. So it’s probably the same injured elephant, Jain told ANI. They found a piece of a ‘potash bomb’ near the facility, which means the calf was dead. “It shows that he was probably injured after eating it and walking on it,” he said.

(with ANI entries)