Locals noticed the carcass near Nidhipada Square with blood flowing from its mouth. Items such as a towel and slippers lay scattered nearby.
The scene raised doubts that poachers killed the animal for meat and skin trade but abandoned it out of fear of police action.
Wildlife hunting rackets remain active around Kuldiha Sanctuary and adjoining Mayurbhanj areas, including Durga Devi, Kanthi, Kalama, and Panchulingeswar. Reports suggest frequent hunting of elephants, boars, sambars, and deer. Several elephant carcasses have been recovered earlier from Nilgiri, strengthening concerns about organised poaching networks.
Residents expressed shock since the Nidhipada area has no major forest cover and no history of wild animals appearing there. They suspect smugglers transported the deer illegally and dumped it when threatened by police patrols.
Crowds gathered at the site soon after the discovery. Local police from Basta Station and Haladipada Outpost, along with forest officials, reached the spot. The Forest Department launched an investigation and confirmed that the truth will emerge after a post-mortem examination of the deer.
