Malkangiri, June 18: A bear that was rescued in a critically injured condition has died after allegedly being attacked by a mob using stones and sharp weapons near Daiguda Chhak under the Mathili forest range in Malkangiri district.
According to reports, the wild animal was attacked by locals for nearly four hours before being rescued in a severely injured state by forest officials. It was immediately shifted to the Mathili Forest Office for treatment, where it later succumbed to its injuries.
The Forest Department has launched an investigation to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the incident and the cause of death. Officials said strict action will be taken against those found responsible for the attack on the protected wild animal.
Malkangiri Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Priyanka Mahuka supervised the post-mortem examination and also visited the incident site as part of the inquiry process.
Forest officials strongly condemned the incident and reiterated their appeal to the public not to harm wild animals. They urged residents to immediately inform forest authorities if any wild animal is sighted in human habitation areas, so that safe rescue measures can be taken.
Authorities said efforts will be made to strengthen awareness and response systems to prevent such incidents in the future.
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