Keonjhar: The forest department has identified the accused who is seen in a viral video beating an elephant with a stick in Keonjhar district. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend him.
Divisional forest officer, Keonjhar forest division Dhanraj HD said, “The accused has been identified as Sipun Behera of Kantiapada village under Patna forest range. He has been identified by foresters and forest guard of Champua and Patna range from the video. However, the youth did not come to the village and has fled. We are looking for him. He would be arrested under the Wildlife Protection Act.” Officials are yet to identify the exact location of the incident.
Subhendu Mallik, a former wildlife warden claimed there are more than 10 social media where people are seen throwing fireballs, pelting stones or beating elephants with sticks. However, the wildlife lovers showing strong resentment when the forest department is not taking strong action against such violators.