Blast in the Wild: Injured Elephant Calf Sparks Urgent Action

An elephant calf in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve was injured by a suspected homemade bomb. Authorities are investigating the incident, which may have targeted elephants or wild boars. The calf, suffering from jaw and leg injuries, will begin receiving medical treatment from veterinarians.

An elephant calf sustained injuries in a suspected country-made bomb blast in Chhattisgarh's Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, revealed a forest official on Sunday.

Part of a 38-40 elephant herd, the calf was found following blood-stained trails and remnants of an explosive device on November 7. The team launched a detailed search operation, with a drone eventually locating the injured animal.

Initial findings suggest the calf attempted to ingest the bomb, resulting in jaw and leg injuries. The forest department is treating the calf and has offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible while a police complaint has been filed.

(With inputs from agencies.)