Chhattisgarh: Potash bombs emerge as new poaching threat in Udanti Tiger Reserve; 2 held with 13 live devices

Raipur: Explosives are emerging as a disturbing new tool for wildlife hunting in and around Chhattisgarh's Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, with the anti-poaching unit uncovering fresh evidence of potash bombs being used to kill wild animals along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border.In the latest operation, two men from Odisha’s Nabarangpur district were caught in the Chikhlapani area of Risgaon range after they were found cutting up the carcass of a wild boar hunted using explosives. Two others fled from the spot.Forest teams seized 13 live potash bombs, along with a tangia, knife, sickle, katta and other hunting implements. The accused were identified as Narsingh, and Mansingh, both residents of Khiloli village in Nabarangpur. They were produced before a JMFC court at Nagri on Oct 1 and remanded to judicial custody.A forest offence has been registered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. A third person, Bharat Rathore of Kohrabeda in Kondagaon district, suspected of supplying explosive material, has been served a notice under BNS because of health-related circumstances.The case has reinforced USTR’s concern that potash bombs are no longer isolated improvised devices but part of a broader hunting practice. Field intelligence suggests that more than 20 people have previously been caught or detained for alleged involvement in the use or manufacture of explosives for wildlife hunting in and around the reserve.In an earlier case involving a suspect from Nagri in Dhamtari, a search had led to the recovery of a large quantity of suspected explosive material along with 86 sloth-bear claws, pointing to the use of locally available explosives alongside conventional hunting weapons.The latest investigation widened further after a search linked to one of the accused yielded 29 cartridges, two bomb/firecracker-type articles, 20 explosive crackers and several packets of suspected explosive material. Investigators are now examining whether the material was part of a larger chain of procurement, storage and supply.USTR has also decided to pursue parallel action under the explosive substances Act, wherever evidence supports illegal possession, manufacture or use of explosives, in addition to wildlife offences.Officials say the danger goes beyond poaching. Potash bombs can explode when consumed or triggered by an animal, causing indiscriminate injury or death not only to wildlife but also to livestock and forest or police patrol teams.The reserve has identified the Keshkal-Kanker-Nabarangpur-Nagri belt as a hotspot and warned that repeated poaching and disturbance can also push injured or frightened animals towards farms and settlements, potentially worsening human-wildlife conflict.The Sept 29 operation was carried out with cyber support from Gariyaband police and field inputs from USTR’s anti-poaching network. Two suspects who escaped from the spot are still being traced.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Raipur | Silver Rate in Raipur | Bank Holidays in Raipur | Public Holidays in Raipur | Raipur AQI | Weather in Raipur | Petrol Price in Raipur | Diesel Price in Raipur | CNG Price in Raipur | LPG Price in RaipurStay updated with the latest Raipur news. Download the TOI App.