Chaibasa – A young wild elephant sustained severe injuries after stepping on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Maoists in Jharkhand’s Saranda forest, located in West Singhbhum district, officials reported on Monday.
The injured elephant, a 10 to 12-year-old female, suffered a grievous wound on her right foreleg, with parts of the foot blown off in the explosion. Forest officials said the animal was in immense pain and unable to walk.
Local villagers alerted authorities, following which a joint team of Forest Department officials and veterinarians rushed to the spot early Monday morning.
After nearly four hours of careful effort, the team managed to reach the distressed elephant and provide first aid, including antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory medication, said Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the lead veterinarian.
“She remains critical, but we are doing everything possible to stabilise her and shift her to a safer area for continued treatment,” Dr. Kumar added.
Officials said the elephant accepted food laced with sedatives and medicines, including bananas mixed with antibiotics, and that forest guards are keeping round-the-clock watch to prevent infection and monitor her movement.
Authorities believe the blast was triggered by a Maoist-planted explosive, aimed at security forces patrolling the area. The Saranda forest has long been a known Maoist stronghold.
This is not the first such incident. On July 5, a six-year-old elephant named “Gadru” by locals died from similar injuries after stepping on a Maoist IED. Despite extensive rescue efforts by a Gujarat-based wildlife team, the animal succumbed to its wounds.
A senior forest official appealed to all agencies to intensify IED detection and disposal operations in forest zones to safeguard both wildlife and security personnel.
With inputs from IANS