Bhubaneswar, November 20: In a grim and shocking incident, poachers in Odisha’s Nuapada district reportedly consumed leopard meat after killing the animal using an electric trap.
Two individuals, identified as Pustam Chinda and Hrusikeh Chinda, have been arrested and placed in judicial custody, while a third suspect remains at large, authorities have confirmed. Komna Forest Range officials, including Divisional Forest Officer Debadutta Sutar and Assistant Conservator of Forest Sanjeev Vangola, are spearheading a detailed investigation into the matter.
The poachers allegedly set up an electric trap near the Deodaha Drinking Water Project on Sunday, intending to capture wild boars. Tragically, a leopard from the nearby forest fell victim to the lethal device while approaching the site to drink water.
Instead of fleeing the scene after the unintended killing, the poachers reportedly skinned the leopard and consumed its meat. They later discarded the severed head, skin, and other remains by a local riverbank before absconding.
Forest officials stated that the leopard died instantly upon contact with the electrified trap. The poachers then dismembered the animal, separating its meat, skin, and bones. Authorities have recovered the remains, including the head and skin, which have been sent for forensic analysis.
This tragic incident follows another disturbing case in Sambalpur district, where three elephants were killed using similar electric traps just days earlier. These events have sparked serious concerns about the growing threat of poaching and the safety of wildlife in Odisha.
“We have arrested two individuals who have confessed to the crime. Investigations are ongoing to determine if others were involved,” forest officials confirmed.
The cases in Nuapada and Sambalpur underscore the persistent challenges in protecting endangered wildlife in western Odisha. Conservationists and officials are calling for stricter anti-poaching measures and enhanced monitoring in vulnerable regions to prevent further tragedies.
