Baliaguda, Jan 22: A tragic incident has unfolded in the Munduti forest of the Kandhamal district, where a deceased elephant was found after being allegedly poached and secretly buried. The remains of the elephant were found near the house of a Range Officer Binay Bishi, who has been suspended following the incident.
The elephant’s dismembered body was found near Kesinga village in the vicinity of the local dam after extensive search operations conducted by the Baliguda and Kalahandi forest divisions. A green barricade was put up around the area to maintain secrecy during the operation, and after digging around 7 feet into the ground, the forest department successfully recovered the elephant's body. The elephant’s remains, including its legs, trunk, and head, were found scattered, indicating potential poaching and illegal burial.
The elephant's carcass had been mutilated and hidden by individuals involved in the poaching. A specialized task force from Bhubaneswar carried out the search operation after nearly 48 hours of efforts. Authorities believe that the elephant may have been killed and subsequently buried to hide the crime.
The incident prompted the suspension of Range Officer Binay Bishi, who had been in charge of the area. The Baliguda Forest Division, along with the Kalahandi Forest Division, has initiated further investigations into the incident, focusing on identifying those responsible for the illegal activities.
In addition to the authorities, the forest departments have been closely working with local sources that provided critical information regarding the location of the buried elephant. The operation was kept confidential to prevent further interference, and the remains have been sent for further investigation.
The elephant's untimely death highlights the ongoing issue of poaching and the need for stronger protective measures in Odisha's wildlife reserves. The forest department is committed to identifying the perpetrators and ensuring strict legal action to protect the state's precious wildlife.
