The Forest Department arrested one youth and identified six others as absconding in connection with the death of a tusker in Badakuda village forest under Sambalpur district’s Rairakhol division.
The incident occurred on November 18 when a tusker died after coming in contact with a live electric wire allegedly laid for wild boar hunting. Initially, locals speculated about the cause, but investigators later confirmed the elephant’s death resulted from deliberate electrocution.
Moreover, officials revealed that seven individuals were involved in the incident. On Thursday, the department arrested Dilip Naik (27) of Hemamura village and produced him in court. Consequently, the court remanded him to judicial custody. Six other accused remain on the run, and authorities assured that they will be apprehended soon.
In addition, forest officers seized materials used in the killing from the arrested youth. They described the case as a serious challenge, noting that Badakuda village had witnessed a fatal elephant attack two years ago.
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