In a grim revelation highlighting the persistent threat of poaching, forest officials in Chhattisgarh's Kabirdham district uncovered the carcasses of two protected gaurs (Indian bison) and a leopard in separate but suspected live-wire electrocution incidents this week. The discoveries have triggered a major investigation and exposed critical lapses in ground-level vigilance within protected forest areas.
Electrocution Traps Claim Lives in Sanctuary
The alarming series of events began on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Kawardha forest beat. Officials first found the bodies of two gaurs in the Jam Pani area, which falls under the Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary. Preliminary evidence suggests the mighty herbivores were electrocuted after coming into contact with illegal live wires deliberately strung through the forest as traps.
In a separate but similarly tragic find, a partly decomposed leopard carcass was located in the Lohara forest range. The big cat was found between Motinpur and Botesur villages, roughly 500 metres from human habitation. Forest authorities estimate the leopard was about four to five years old and had died approximately a week before being discovered. Initial examination also points towards death by electrocution.
Swift Action and Arrests Follow Discoveries
Acting swiftly on the information, Divisional Forest Officer Nikhil Agrawal and his field team rushed to the Jam Pani site. A forensic team and a dog squad were deployed immediately to collect crucial evidence and trace the routes used by the perpetrators. This prompt response led to significant breakthroughs.
Forest department teams, acting on specific leads, arrested Bishu Sahu, a resident of Motinpur village. During the investigation, officers allegedly recovered galvanised iron (GI) wire from his house, which is believed to have been used in setting up the illegal electrocution traps. Sahu has been sent to 14-day judicial remand. In total, two suspects have been detained and are being questioned intensively as the department suspects the involvement of an organised poaching ring.
Pattern of Deaths Sparks Criticism and Official Response
These incidents are not isolated. Shockingly, four gaurs have died in the district's forests over the past few months, with many believed to be victims of similar electrocution traps. This recurring tragedy has sparked sharp criticism from conservationists and locals alike regarding the effectiveness of forest patrols and monitoring.
A local activist, who chose to remain anonymous, voiced the community's frustration, stating, "Despite crores of rupees being spent in the name of wildlife conservation, such incidents expose serious gaps in ground-level monitoring and protection."
Addressing the media, DFO Nikhil Agrawal asserted that the department is taking the matter "very seriously." He confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is underway. Agrawal added that the department will ensure strict action under the Wildlife Protection Act against all those found responsible. He also pledged to step up patrolling and surveillance in vulnerable forest patches to prevent such tragedies in the future. Post-mortem and forensic analyses for all three animals are currently pending, which will provide conclusive evidence.
Sidebar: Sloth Bear Family Rescued in Neighbouring District
In a related wildlife incident in the neighbouring Koriya district, forest officials successfully conducted a high-drama rescue operation. A sloth bear and her two cubs had strayed dangerously close to a college campus in Manendragarh, causing panic among locals. The same bear was reportedly involved in chasing a bicycle rider two days prior, an incident captured in a viral video.
During a carefully planned operation, forest staff first trapped the two cubs and used them as bait to lure the anxious mother. After locating the agitated bear near the campus on Wednesday morning, authorities barricaded the area, tranquillised the mother, and safely captured all three animals, averting a potential human-animal conflict.
