Vantara Team: Ranchi, Jharkhand: A wild elephant suffered severe injuries after allegedly stepping on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) believed to be planted by Maoists in the dense Saranda forests of Chaibasa. The blast tore through the elephant’s right front leg, blowing off its toes and leaving a deep wound that shocked forest officials and wildlife rescuers.
Massive Explosion Leaves Elephant Badly Wounded
According to Saranda Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Aviroop Sinha, the explosion was so powerful that pieces of flesh were seen hanging from the elephant’s leg. “The wound on its front right limb appears fresh, similar to what we found on three other elephants that previously died due to IED blasts. We were informed around midnight, and immediate medical aid was arranged,” Sinha said.
The injured elephant was first spotted in the Ankua region of the Saranda jungles, an area known for its thick forests and difficult terrain. Forest and police teams rushed to the spot soon after receiving the alert.
Vantara Team Joins the Rescue Operation
The Vantara team, known for its expertise in rescuing and rehabilitating injured wild animals, is on its way to assist in the elephant’s treatment. The team will work with forest department veterinarians to stabilize the injured animal and provide advanced medical care.
“Support from trained veterinary officers has already been mobilized. Three additional teams from neighboring blocks have been called in for emergency assistance,” said DFO Sinha. He added that the forest department is working closely with Vantara experts to ensure the elephant’s best chance of recovery.
Uncertainty Over the Source of the Blast
While the injury pattern strongly suggests an IED blast, forest officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause. “There has been no recent Maoist movement in the Ankua jungles, which makes this incident more concerning. It is possible the elephant was injured elsewhere and wandered here in pain,” Sinha explained.
Officials are now investigating whether leftover explosives from older Maoist activities may still be active in the region, posing a risk to both wildlife and local villagers.
Veterinary Team Provides Intensive Care
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the veterinarian attending to the elephant, said that the animal has been administered antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory medicines to control pain and infection. “The wound is deep and consistent with a powerful explosion. We are trying to move her to a safer location where continuous treatment can be given,” he said.
Dr. Kumar further informed that the injured elephant is a female, around 10 to 12 years old, and currently unable to walk due to the severe injury. “Forest staff are closely monitoring her condition around the clock. Every possible effort is being made to save her life,” he added.
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Fourth Elephant Victim of IED Explosions
This tragic event marks the fourth case of an elephant being injured by an IED blast in the Saranda region. Of the earlier three elephants, two died during treatment, and one was found dead deep inside the forest. These recurring incidents have alarmed wildlife officials, who fear that hidden explosives left behind by Maoists are turning the forest into a deadly trap for elephants and other animals.
Authorities on High Alert
Both the forest department and the police have been put on alert following this latest incident. Joint patrols have been intensified to detect and remove any remaining explosive devices in elephant corridors.
Wildlife experts have urged the government to conduct a thorough combing operation in Maoist-affected forest belts and involve specialized animal rescue units like Vantara for faster medical response in such emergencies.
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A Plea for Safer Forests
The recurring deaths of elephants due to IED explosions highlight the urgent need for better surveillance and coordination between security forces and wildlife departments. Saranda, once known as “The Land of Seven Hundred Hills,” is now witnessing tragic consequences of conflict, with innocent animals becoming victims of man-made violence.
As the injured elephant battles for survival, the efforts of the Vantara team, veterinarians, and forest officials bring hope that compassion and care can still heal the wounds caused by human conflict.