In a significant development in the tragic elephant death incident in the Munduti forest under Belghar range of Baliguda forest division in Kandhamal district, the forest department has arrested three key poachers accused of setting up the deadly electric trap.
The arrests bring the total number of detainees in the case to 10, while the prime suspect, Deputy Ranger Binay Kumar Bishi, remains absconding.
The incident dates back to January 4, when the three poachers allegedly laid electric wires in the Munduti forest to hunt wild boars. However, instead of their intended prey, a wild elephant came into contact with the live wires on January 5, resulting in its electrocution and death. During interrogation, the accused confessed to installing the wires and being present at the scene even after the elephant’s demise.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Kshama Patra (76), Brushabha Patra (44), and Gokula Patra (41), all residents of Jhiripani village under Belghar range. Earlier, on February 4, three other poachers from the same area were apprehended, leading to the seizure of three country-made guns, electric wires, animal hides, horns, and skeletal remains of various wildlife species.
So far, the forest department has arrested a total of 10 people in connection with the case, including the three main poachers, three additional hunters, the absconding deputy ranger’s driver, and a JCB operator. In a shocking revelation, it was found that after the elephant’s death, Deputy Ranger Binay Kumar Bishi attempted to cover up the incident by chopping the carcass into 32 pieces and burying it underground. For this grave misconduct, Bishi has been suspended by higher forest authorities. However, due to what sources describe as lenient action, he continues to evade capture.
Additionally, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Suryakant Behera has also been suspended for allegedly suppressing the investigation report. The ongoing probe is being led by investigating officer and ACF Manoranjan Bag, who stated that further inquiries are underway to uncover any additional involvement.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about wildlife poaching and the complicity of forest officials in Kandhamal’s dense forests, which are home to endangered species like elephants. Environmentalists have called for stricter enforcement and accountability to prevent such incidents in the future.
