Leopard, two bison killed in suspected electric trap set by poachers in Chhattisgarh

Raipur: In Kabirdham district's Kawardha beat, forest officials discovered the carcasses of two gaur (Indian bison) and a leopard in suspected live-wire poaching incidents on Tuesday and Wednesday. The bison were found electrocuted after encountering illegal electric wires in the Jam Pani area of Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary, while a partly decomposed leopard carcass was located in Lohara range between Motinpur and Botesur villages, about 500 metres from human habitation.Forest officials suspect that organised poachers stretched live electric lines through the forest as traps. As soon as they received information, the divisional forest officer and field staff rushed to the Jam Pani site. A forensic team and dog squad were deployed to collect evidence and trace the routes used by those behind the killings. Two suspects have been detained and are being questioned. Four bison have died in the district's forests over the past few months, many believed to be victims of electrocution traps, prompting criticism of ground-level vigilance.The leopard, estimated to be around four to five years old, is believed to have died about a week before it was found. Initial examination points to a possible electrocution, with post-mortem and forensic analysis pending. Acting on leads, forest teams arrested Bishu Sahu, a resident of Motinpur, and sent him to 14-day remand. Officers allegedly recovered GI (galvanised iron) wire from his house, which they believe may have been used in the illegal electrocution setup."Despite crores of rupees being spent in the name of wildlife conservation, such incidents expose serious gaps in ground-level monitoring and protection," a local activist said, asking not to be named.DFO Nikhil Agrawal told reporters the department is taking the matter "very seriously". He said a comprehensive investigation is underway, adding that the department will ensure strict action under the Wildlife Protection Act against those found responsible and that patrolling and surveillance will be stepped up in vulnerable patches.In neighbouring Koriya district's Manendragarh, forest officials launched a high-drama rescue operation after a sloth bear and her two cubs strayed close to a college campus, sparking panic among locals. For several months, a female sloth bear and her two cubs have roamed near residential areas, and the same bear had chased a bi-cycle rider two days ago, with the incident video going viral.During the operation, forest staff trapped the two cubs in a cage and moved them to the college ground to draw the mother into view. On Wednesday morning, the agitated bear was sighted roaring and moving nervously near the campus. Authorities barricaded the area and successfully tranquilised and captured the mother bear, ensuring all three animals could be handled safely.