Raipur: A disturbing video of villagers harassing a bear from Chhattisgarh’s Sukma forest division has gone viral on the internet. In the video several people can be seen mimicking the bear, grabbing its ears, and subjecting it to torture, while the bear is trapped in an aluminum wire snare. People around can be seen laughing and mocking the animal as it cries in pain.
In the video, blood can also be seen oozing out of the bear's noses. The bear can be heard crying out loud bawls as it struggled to escape the wire trap. The video is said to be six month old.
Forest Department Announces Action
Soon after the video went viral, the forest department promptly condemned the act and launched a probe into the matter. The department also announced a cash reward of ₹ 10,000 for the individual who provides credible information leading to the identification and arrest of the accused.
A forest official speaking to Times Of India said, “We have verified the video with the help of the cyber cell and wildlife experts. It appears to be around six months old, likely from September or October 2024, but it came to our knowledge through WhatsApp on Friday only. Based on the T-shirt worn by one of the two individuals seen in the clip, we were able to trace the location, which is believed to be in the Kerlapal range of the Sukma forest division.”
The official also confirmed that the bear appears to have suffered a spinal injury, possibly a broken backbone.
The officials also said that whether the animal is still alive or not, and other critical details, can only be confirmed once the two accused are nabbed. A manhunt has been launched to trace and arrest the perpetrators.
