RAIPUR: After a disturbing video allegedly showing villagers harassing a bear in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma forest division went viral on WhatsApp, the forest department has launched an investigation and announced a cash reward of Rs 10,000 for anyone who provides credible information leading to the identification and arrest of the perpetrators.
In the viral clip, several individuals can be seen mimicking the bear, pulling its ears, and subjecting it to cruel treatment. The injured bear let out loud bawls as it struggled to escape the wire trap. The bear appears to be trapped in an aluminum wire snare, with visible injuries to its mouth, which is bleeding. Shockingly, the animal's teeth also appear to be missing.
In response to the video, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Sukma issued a circular on Friday, instructing all forest rangers under the division to immediately identify the location of the incident and submit a report. The circular stated that the video, which shows the wild animal being tortured by some villagers, is suspected to have been filmed somewhere within the Sukma division.
Rangers have been directed to begin a thorough search operation and question villagers in the region to gather leads. The circular further emphasized that the individuals involved in the act must be traced and apprehended within two days. It also reiterated the department’s commitment to taking strict action against wildlife cruelty and encouraged citizens to come forward with any information, assuring them of a Rs 10,000 reward for actionable leads.
Forest officials have condemned the act and reiterated that any form of cruelty towards wild animals is a punishable offense under the Wildlife Protection Act.
“We have verified the video with the help of the cyber cell and wildlife experts. It appears to be around six months old, likely from September or October 2024, but it came to our knowledge through WhatsApp on Friday only. Based on the T-shirt worn by one of the two individuals seen in the clip, we were able to trace the location, which is believed to be in the Kerlapal range of the Sukma forest division,” said Sukma DFO Ramakrishna.
“The bear appears to have suffered a spinal injury, possibly a broken backbone. Whether the animal is still alive or not, and other critical details, can only be confirmed once the two accused are apprehended. A manhunt has been launched to trace and arrest them,” he added.
In the viral clip, several individuals can be seen mimicking the bear, pulling its ears, and subjecting it to cruel treatment. The injured bear let out loud bawls as it struggled to escape the wire trap. The bear appears to be trapped in an aluminum wire snare, with visible injuries to its mouth, which is bleeding. Shockingly, the animal's teeth also appear to be missing.
In response to the video, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Sukma issued a circular on Friday, instructing all forest rangers under the division to immediately identify the location of the incident and submit a report. The circular stated that the video, which shows the wild animal being tortured by some villagers, is suspected to have been filmed somewhere within the Sukma division.
Rangers have been directed to begin a thorough search operation and question villagers in the region to gather leads. The circular further emphasized that the individuals involved in the act must be traced and apprehended within two days. It also reiterated the department’s commitment to taking strict action against wildlife cruelty and encouraged citizens to come forward with any information, assuring them of a Rs 10,000 reward for actionable leads.
Forest officials have condemned the act and reiterated that any form of cruelty towards wild animals is a punishable offense under the Wildlife Protection Act.
“We have verified the video with the help of the cyber cell and wildlife experts. It appears to be around six months old, likely from September or October 2024, but it came to our knowledge through WhatsApp on Friday only. Based on the T-shirt worn by one of the two individuals seen in the clip, we were able to trace the location, which is believed to be in the Kerlapal range of the Sukma forest division,” said Sukma DFO Ramakrishna.
“The bear appears to have suffered a spinal injury, possibly a broken backbone. Whether the animal is still alive or not, and other critical details, can only be confirmed once the two accused are apprehended. A manhunt has been launched to trace and arrest them,” he added.
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