A wild elephant was critically injured after reportedly coming into contact with an IED in the Saranda forest region of West Singhbhum district. Officials say the animal’s condition remains extremely serious. The injured elephant was spotted on Sunday evening near Kolbonga village under the Jaraikela police station limits in the Manoharpur block.
According to locals, a group of villagers who had gone to the forest to fish noticed the animal in distress. The elephant appeared severely injured, struggling to move and showing signs of intense suffering.
The villagers immediately alerted the forest department, following which a rescue team rushed to the spot. Authorities have since been making continuous efforts to save the animal, though its condition remains critical.
Forest department officials suspect that the elephant may have been injured in an explosion that reportedly occurred two days earlier near Ponga Junction in the Viria area of the forest.
It is believed that the animal may have unknowingly come into contact with explosive material left in the jungle.
Veterinary officer Dr Sanjay Gholatkar stated that the elephant had likely sustained injuries a few days ago and its condition has been deteriorating steadily since then.
Incidents involving wildlife falling victim to explosive devices have been reported in the Saranda forest in the past as well. According to officials, several elephants have previously lost their lives in similar accidents, raising concerns over the presence of hazardous materials in the forest area.
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