Bait bomb made in neighbouring Deogarh with goat skin

Bhubaneswar: Forest officials on Friday revealed that dried and decomposed goat skin was used to make the bait bomb that killed a wild boar in Biripal reserve forest under Angul forest division on Tuesday night.The strong smell of the goat skin reportedly attracted the animal, which bit into the explosive-laced bait, triggering a fatal blast.According to officials, the crude bombs were not manufactured in Angul district but were brought from neighbouring Deogarh. The forest department has sought police assistance to trace the source of the explosives and identify those involved in their production. “We are trying to ascertain who are making these bombs and where they are being manufactured. In this case, interrogation of the four accused revealed that the bombs were prepared in Deogarh district,” Kaniha range officer Debadatta Sutar said.The wildlife wing of the forest department arrested four persons during a night patrol operation conducted by the Rengali forester and his team in Gandamala beat under the Rengali section of Kaniha range. Besides recovering the carcass of a male wild boar killed by the explosion, officials seized six live bait bombs concealed inside edible material.Forest authorities said the timely seizure prevented further wildlife casualties. Bait bombs are considered among the cruellest methods of hunting as they are designed to explode when bitten by animals, causing devastating injuries and often death.Wildlife officials warned that such devices pose a threat not only to wild animals but also to livestock and humans who may accidentally come into contact with them.The incident has revived concerns over the growing use of bait bombs in Odisha. Two months ago, a bull on the fringes of Chandaka wildlife sanctuary near Banki accidentally consumed a bait bomb allegedly meant for a wild boar. The explosion caused severe injuries inside its mouth and despite prolonged veterinary treatment, the animal later died.Forest officials said efforts are underway to dismantle the network behind the manufacture and supply of the deadly traps.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhubaneswar | Silver Rate in Bhubaneswar | Bank Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Public Holidays in Bhubaneswar | Petrol Price in Bhubaneswar | Diesel Price in Bhubaneswar | CNG Price in Bhubaneswar | LPG Price in BhubaneswarStay updated with the latest Bhubaneswar news. Download the TOI App.