A wild boar died after coming in contact with an electric wire in the Muribahal area of Bolangir district, sparking outrage among locals.
Forest officials allegedly buried the carcass hurriedly to suppress the incident, raising questions about accountability.
Residents claimed the boar’s death was concealed for three days, with senior officers insisting they had no knowledge of the case. The silence triggered suspicion of a deliberate attempt to shield hunters and avoid scrutiny.
Locals accused the Forest Department of negligence, alleging that poachers enjoy protection while wildlife continues to suffer. They pointed out repeated cases of elephant and boar hunting in the region, questioning whether patrols exist only on paper.
The incident has intensified public anger, with villagers demanding a high-level inquiry into the use of funds meant for wildlife protection. They argued that despite crores allocated for conservation, little effort is visible on the ground.
Community leaders warned that if the administration fails to intervene immediately, the Muribahal range could face a future without wildlife. They urged strict enforcement of anti-poaching measures and accountability for officials accused of negligence.
