Man, son held for laying trap that killed elephant

BALANGIR: The forest department in Subarnapur district arrested a man and his son on Wednesday in connection with the death of an elephant. The animal died of electrocution after coming in contact with a live wire that the duo had laid for poaching wild boars.
The father was identified as Birendra Sharma (60) and the son as Allaudin Sharma (30). They are from Mahada village under Binika block in the district.
"We detained both the accused on Tuesday. Upon interrogation, they confessed to their crime. We have forwarded them to judicial custody," Prafulla Dharua, assistant conservator of forests in Subarnapur, said. The department has seized iron wire and some tools from their possession.
On Tuesday, forest officials were informed about the death of a tusker in Bardunguri forest near Mahada village under Binika forest section, following which the forest department initiated an investigation on the matter and detained the duo.
The locals have demanded immediate action against the culprits and urged for concrete steps by the forest department to protect wild animals in the region.
Wild animal poaching during the summer season in various forested areas of Subarnapur district have increased recently because of shrinking of green vegetation and water bodies.