Bhubaneswar: The Forest Department on Wednesday arrested three persons for allegedly teasing and assaulting elephants in the Patna Range area of Keonjhar district.
The accused have been identified as Deepak Mohanta, Dusmanta Behera, and Rakesh Mohanta.
According to Patna Range Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Banabihari Sardar, incidents of human-elephant interaction have been frequently reported from the Jhumpura and Saharpada areas under Patna Range, where elephant movement is common. However, some local youths were found allegedly teasing and assaulting elephants by chasing them and using sticks to harass them.
The matter came to light after videos of the incident were circulated on social media platforms, prompting swift action by the forest authorities. Following this, a joint team of the divisional enforcement unit and Patna Range officials launched an operation and apprehended the accused.
During the operation, officials seized a drone camera, three mobile phones, and a motorcycle allegedly used in the incident.
The Forest Department has said further investigation is underway, and strict action will be taken as per wildlife protection laws.
