Three arrested in connection with elephant death in Raigarh; case registered under Wildlife Protection Act

Raipur: The Chhattisgarh forest department has arrested three men in connection with the death of a wild elephant in Kerakhol village under Raigarh forest division. The arrests came following an investigation into the incident, which revealed that the elephant had died after coming into contact with a live electric wire set up illegally to trap wild animals.

According to officials, a team led by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Raigarh reached the spot immediately after receiving information about the carcass. The preliminary investigation confirmed that the elephant died of electrocution. During the inspection, forest personnel recovered wires, dry leaves, soil marks, and other suspicious items from the site. They also found an injury on the elephant’s abdomen with a snare embedded in it, which was seized as evidence.

A three-member veterinary team conducted a post-mortem examination, which confirmed death due to electric shock. The forest department subsequently informed the police and launched a joint investigation. Based on interrogation of local suspects, three individuals were identified and apprehended — Veer Singh Manjhi (28) of Kerakhol village, Ramnath Rathiya (42) of Auraimuda, and Basant Rathiya (40) of Kerakhol.

During questioning, Manjhi confessed that he, along with his associates, had set up live electric wires around their field to protect crops from wild animals. The elephant reportedly came into contact with the wire and was electrocuted. The accused admitted to purchasing the wire and iron materials themselves.

All three have been arrested under Sections 9 and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and were produced before court on October 21, following which they were remanded to judicial custody. The case remains under detailed investigation.