RAIPUR: A joint operation by the Chhattisgarh and Telangana forest departments, along with state police, led to the arrest of two individuals three days after a video surfaced showing cruelty towards a bear in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district.
The incident was dated back to September-October, 2024. Following the cruelty, the bear reportedly succumbed to injuries. The arrests followed widespread outrage over the video, which also led to the filing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Chhattisgarh High Court.
The investigation was led by the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Jagdalpur. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Sukma, Ramakrishna, formed a team to investigate the incident after the CCF, Jagdalpur, determined that the incident likely occurred in the Sukma region based on the viral video.
Range officers and forest guards were instructed to conduct extensive searches in villages and forest areas. They were also tasked with compiling lists of students, teachers, and suspicious villagers in residential schools and Pota cabins. The Superintendent of Police, Sukma, was asked to direct subordinate police station in-charges and local officials to cooperate with the investigation. Daily progress updates were mandated for all forest officials and staff of the Sukma Forest Division.
The forest department announced a Rs 10,000 reward for information leading to the identification of those responsible for injuring the bear, promising confidentiality for the informant. Officials were also directed to identify and investigate potential natural habitats of bears in the area.
After registering an offense, investigators analyzed information from various sources and locations, which indicated that the incident likely occurred in the Kistaram area. Dabba Marka village was identified as the suspected location. The accused were identified as Vando Bhima, aged approximately 18-20 years, and Chando Deva, aged approximately 37-40 years, both residents of Puttepad village. Puttepad is described as a remote, Naxal-affected, and highly sensitive area, requiring police and security support.
On April 13, an investigation team, supported by police and security forces, went to Puttepad village, but the accused were not found, and it was suspected they had fled.
Given the area's proximity to Telangana, the Superintendent of Police, Bhadrakali (Kottagudem), Telangana, and the Divisional Forest Officer, Bhadrachalam Forest Division, Telangana, were alerted to provide assistance. The investigation team continued its search operations and information exchange.
Both accused were apprehended on April 14. An offense was registered, and legal proceedings have been initiated.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap commented on the arrests, stating, "Wildlife is a priceless asset of our forests, and its protection and conservation are the responsibility of the government, forest administration, and people living in forest areas.
The video showing cruelty to the bear was deeply distressing. Instructions were given to the forest department to take action, resulting in the arrest of two accused individuals. They will be presented before the court for legal proceedings in accordance with the law."
The incident was dated back to September-October, 2024. Following the cruelty, the bear reportedly succumbed to injuries. The arrests followed widespread outrage over the video, which also led to the filing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Chhattisgarh High Court.
The investigation was led by the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Jagdalpur. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Sukma, Ramakrishna, formed a team to investigate the incident after the CCF, Jagdalpur, determined that the incident likely occurred in the Sukma region based on the viral video.
Range officers and forest guards were instructed to conduct extensive searches in villages and forest areas. They were also tasked with compiling lists of students, teachers, and suspicious villagers in residential schools and Pota cabins. The Superintendent of Police, Sukma, was asked to direct subordinate police station in-charges and local officials to cooperate with the investigation. Daily progress updates were mandated for all forest officials and staff of the Sukma Forest Division.
The forest department announced a Rs 10,000 reward for information leading to the identification of those responsible for injuring the bear, promising confidentiality for the informant. Officials were also directed to identify and investigate potential natural habitats of bears in the area.
After registering an offense, investigators analyzed information from various sources and locations, which indicated that the incident likely occurred in the Kistaram area. Dabba Marka village was identified as the suspected location. The accused were identified as Vando Bhima, aged approximately 18-20 years, and Chando Deva, aged approximately 37-40 years, both residents of Puttepad village. Puttepad is described as a remote, Naxal-affected, and highly sensitive area, requiring police and security support.
On April 13, an investigation team, supported by police and security forces, went to Puttepad village, but the accused were not found, and it was suspected they had fled.
Given the area's proximity to Telangana, the Superintendent of Police, Bhadrakali (Kottagudem), Telangana, and the Divisional Forest Officer, Bhadrachalam Forest Division, Telangana, were alerted to provide assistance. The investigation team continued its search operations and information exchange.
Both accused were apprehended on April 14. An offense was registered, and legal proceedings have been initiated.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap commented on the arrests, stating, "Wildlife is a priceless asset of our forests, and its protection and conservation are the responsibility of the government, forest administration, and people living in forest areas.
The video showing cruelty to the bear was deeply distressing. Instructions were given to the forest department to take action, resulting in the arrest of two accused individuals. They will be presented before the court for legal proceedings in accordance with the law."
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