In a joint operation, the Chhattisgarh and Telangana forest departments, along with local police, arrested two individuals involved in a shocking case of animal cruelty after a viral video showed a bear being brutally injured in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh. The bear reportedly died from its injuries, prompting widespread public outrage and a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Chhattisgarh High Court.
The incident, which dates back to September–October 2024, was initially investigated by the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Jagdalpur, with further ground-level efforts led by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Sukma, Ramakrishna. Teams were deployed to conduct door-to-door investigations in nearby villages, forest zones, and even residential schools and Pota cabins, to identify those involved.
Following detailed analysis of the video and location data, investigators narrowed down the incident to the Kistaram region, specifically Dabba Marka village. The suspects were identified as:
Vando Bhima, aged 18–20
Chando Deva, aged 37–40
Both are residents of Puttepad village, a remote and Naxal-affected area, requiring police and security force assistance for access.
After initial raids on April 13 failed to locate the suspects, coordination with Telangana officials was initiated, including the Superintendent of Police, Bhadrakali (Kottagudem) and DFO, Bhadrachalam Forest Division. The suspects were successfully apprehended the next day, on April 14, and legal proceedings have since begun.
The Forest Department had previously offered a Rs10,000 reward for information, guaranteeing informant confidentiality. They also ordered a mapping of bear habitats and continued community outreach.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap addressed the incident, stating,
“Wildlife is a priceless asset. The disturbing video demanded strong action. The forest department acted swiftly, and the accused have been arrested. Justice will be pursued according to law.”
