elephant-wounded-by-ied-in-maoist-hit-saranda-forest

A young wild elephant has suffered serious injuries after encountering an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which is believed to have been planted by Maoists in the dense forests of Saranda in West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand.

 

The incident is said to have occurred between 24 and 26 June, underscoring the dual threat of insurgent activity and the unintended harm caused to wildlife in the region.

 

Forest authorities reported that the elephant, believed to be around six years old, sustained a severe injury to its left hind leg, resulting in significant swelling.

 

The animal was last seen on 27 June near Digha in Saranda, where it was observed attempting to alleviate its pain by spraying water on the injury.

 

In response to the situation, a full-scale search and rescue operation has been initiated. Six specialised teams from the Forest Department, including personnel from the Samta, Sasangada, Gua, Koyna, and Anandpur ranges in Jharkhand, as well as the Bisra range in Odisha, are working to locate and assist the elephant.

 

A veterinary team from Odisha has also joined the effort, bringing along medical supplies and tranquillisers to treat the animal once it is found.

 

Shankar Bhagat, Forest Area Officer for Samta, said that the department is dedicated to locating the injured elephant and providing medical treatment as soon as possible.

 

“We have received reports of the injury, and our teams are actively searching for the elephant so we can treat it without delay,” Bhagat confirmed.

 

The forests of Saranda, straddling the border between Jharkhand and Odisha, have long been a hotspot for Maoist insurgency. The presence of hidden explosives in these areas poses a significant threat not only to security forces but also to wildlife traversing the region.

 

Conservationists have voiced serious concerns over the increasing danger to animals, urging a concerted effort to clear the forests of explosive devices to prevent further harm.

 

Authorities have urged local villagers and forest residents to remain alert and report any sightings of the injured elephant or suspicious objects in the area.

 

Rescue teams remain optimistic that, with coordinated efforts, the elephant can be safely located, treated, and eventually returned to its natural environment.