4 detained for harassing elephant herd

Keonjhar: The forest department has detained four persons, including two minors, for allegedly chasing and harassing an elephant herd in Keonjhar and posting videos of the act on social media.

After verifying the viral video, officials registered a case under Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and produced the accused in court. Elephants are protected under Schedule I of the Act.

Divisional forest officer Dhanraj HD said strict action will be taken against anyone found teasing or attacking elephants. He added that three more persons involved in the incident are yet to be apprehended.

Sources said a group of youngsters went to Malliposi forest under Patna range, chased the herd and filmed the agitated elephants as they ran. The accused also allegedly struck an elephant with a stick.

Calling it a dangerous act, officials said such behaviour puts both human and animal lives at risk. Several fatalities have been reported in the past due to similar reckless actions.

Those detained were identified as Akash Kumar Mahanta of Badasiadimal village under Harichandanpur block and Dusmanta Behera of Chinamalipasi under Ghatagaon block, both aged 21, besides the two minors who were aged 17. The department seized a drone, four mobile phones used for the videography and a motorcycle.

Officials said habitat shrinkage and food scarcity have forced elephant herds to move across different parts of Keonjhar, often leading to human-animal conflict. While many gather to watch elephants, some engage in risky acts such as chasing, pelting stones or filming them at close range, aggravating the situation.