A wild elephant was seriously injured after stepping on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) allegedly planted by Naxalites in the Saranda Forest area under Manoharpur block of West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand on Monday. Officials said that the explosion was so powerful that the pachyderm’s front right toes were blown off, leaving deep wounds with flesh hanging from its leg.
Following the incident, both the Forest Department and police officials were put on high alert. As soon as the information was received, a team of forest personnel along with a veterinary doctor rushed to the site.
Veterinary doctors began administering first aid at the spot. Medicines were mixed with bananas and fed to the elephant. Forest officials are closely monitoring the animal’s condition.
Veterinarian Dr Sanjay Kumar said the elephant has been given antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory medicines. “The injury is severe and appears to be the result of a powerful explosion,” he said.
Dr Kumar added that efforts are being made to move the elephant to a safer location where it can receive continuous medical care.
The injured elephant is a female, approximately 10 to 12 years old, and is currently unable to move due to the severity of the injury. Forest officials are keeping constant watch and providing round-the-clock support to help it recover.
Notably, this is the fourth wild elephant
The Saranda Forest region has long been affected by Naxal violence and explosions, posing increasing risks to the area’s elephant population.
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