In a tragic incident in Gariband, an elephant calf has succumbed to injuries caused by a potash bomb. The calf, which was injured nearly a month ago, was found to be severely wounded following an explosion from the bomb set by poachers. The Forest Department confirmed the calf's death on Saturday, with the final breath occurring at 3:35 PM.

The elephant calf was injured on November 8 when it encountered a potash bomb planted by poachers. The incident was reported by the Forest Department and Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve management on November 10. After the explosion, the calf's injuries were traced, and on November 27, the team successfully located the injured animal.

Ongoing Treatment for the Injured Calf

Since November 27, the calf was under constant medical care at Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. Veterinarians from Raipur Jungle Safari administered intravenous fluids and injections to help the calf recover. For a while, the calf's condition showed improvement. However, the elephant’s situation worsened after December 4, when another wild elephant killed a 4-year-old girl in Dhamtari. Despite the ongoing treatment, the calf’s health continued to decline, and on December 7, it passed away.

Veterinarians stated that the potash bomb had exploded in the calf's mouth, leading to a severe infection in the wound. This infection, which turned into pus, eventually led to the calf’s death. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after a post-mortem, which will be conducted tomorrow, December 8. The body will be cremated following the procedure.

Efforts to Catch the Poachers

The Forest Department is actively investigating the poachers responsible for the tragic incident. The department has vowed to take strict action once the culprits are identified. This marks the fourth elephant death in Gariband this year, with earlier fatalities reported in the Udanti area and the Gariband forest division.

Elephant Calf’s Death in Taerenga Range

The incident occurred in the Taerenga Range of Gariband, where the injured calf had wandered. Villages near forested areas have been grappling with the increasing presence of wild elephants, and the situation has become a major concern. Though the calf’s medical treatment was provided, it could not survive.

Recent Elephant Tragedy in Arseekhanhar

In another incident, an elephant calf attacked a house in Arseekhanhar’s Bilpani, leading to the tragic deaths of a woman and her young daughter. The calf broke the roof of their hut and assaulted the girl. Upon receiving the news, the Forest Department team arrived at the scene and chased the calf away. The calf was reported to be injured, and the village is now in shock over the incident. This series of events highlights the growing tension between humans and elephants in the region, as both continue to suffer due to human-wildlife conflict.