Odisha Forest Scandal: Wild Elephant Carcass Cut Into 32 Pieces and Buried Across Districts
A shocking wildlife cover-up has been uncovered in Odisha, where the carcass of a wild elephant that died from electrocution was cut into 32 pieces and buried at multiple sites across Kandhamal and Kalahandi districts to conceal the circumstances of its death. The incident has sparked public outrage and a major investigation, leading to the suspension of a senior forest official.
The Gruesome Discovery and Initial Findings
The tusker died on January 5 near Jhiripani in the Baliguda forest division (Kandhamal). While the preliminary cause was electrocution—a common threat from illegal or stray power lines—the subsequent handling of the carcass turned criminal.
Instead of following standard protocol to report and document the death, forest personnel, allegedly under the direction of Deputy Ranger Binay Kumar Bishi, dismembered the elephant into 32 pieces. The parts were then transported and buried at separate locations in Kandhamal and Kalahandi to avoid detection and scrutiny.
Official Action and Investigation
The Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (Berhampur), Vishwanath Neelannavar, confirmed the deliberate cover-up. Immediate actions include:
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Suspension of Deputy Ranger Binay Kumar Bishi, who is currently absconding. A nationwide search is underway.
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Issuance of show-cause notices to eight members of the anti-poaching squad involved.
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Seizure of three vehicles, including an excavator, used in the operation. One vehicle owner, Hrushikesh Panda, has been arrested.
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A wildlife offence case registered under the Wildlife Protection Act.
High-Level Condemnation and Forensic Probe
Odisha Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia has condemned the incident, promising strict action against all involved. Tissue samples from the carcass have been sent to the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) for forensic analysis to confirm the cause of death, age, and sex of the elephant.
Broker Implications and Public Outrage
This scandal highlights severe governance failures within the forest department. Tampering with the remains of a protected species like the elephant—which holds high ecological and cultural value—undermines conservation efforts and public trust. Odisha has witnessed numerous unnatural elephant deaths in recent years, raising persistent concerns about infrastructure safety and enforcement.
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The Path Ahead
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities pledging transparency and stringent legal action. Further arrests are anticipated as the full chain of command behind the cover-up is unraveled.
This grotesque incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for accountability and reform within wildlife protection agencies. It underscores that those tasked with safeguarding nature must be held to the highest standard, and any attempt to obstruct justice in conservation cases will face severe consequences.
