Electrocution of elephant ‘Pyare’ sparks outrage

 

 

 

 

 

 

The reported incident of electrocution and subsequent hushing up of the death of Pyare, has triggered widespread concern among wildlife enthusiasts and activists in the region. Pyare, met his untimely end at the hands of villagers in the Pakni area of the Chui range in the Surajpur forest division. Shockingly, the Forest Department allegedly concealed the incident, burying the elephant’s body without public notification. Pyare, captured the hearts of wildlife enthusiasts after being radio-collared in 2018. However, anxieties arose when his radio collar fell off, rendering his movements untraceable. Despite warnings from forest officials, the news of Pyare’s demise was shrouded in secrecy, raising suspicions of a cover-up.

 

Wildlife advocates are demanding accountability from the Forest Department and calling for a thorough investigation. Nitin Singhvi, a wildlife enthusiast from Raipur, is urging authorities to take action against those responsible for concealing Pyare’s death. He has demanded registration of a criminal case against officers, starting from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), and advocated for the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve into the incident and ensure justice for Pyare. Singhvi alleged instances where forest officers allegedly defamed Pyare by falsely attributing human casualties to him and emphasized lack of scientific evidence supporting such claims and cautions against scapegoating wild elephants without proper investigation. The Wildlife (Protection) Act deems capturing and holding a forest elephant captive without proper authorisation an offense punishable by law. Singhvi warned the Forest Department against spreading misinformation and inciting public anger against other elephants, such as the Bahradev, whose life may be jeopardised by false accusations.