Enquiry Reveals Suspects Dug Up and Concealed Carcass
Mandla: Forest authorities in the West General Forest Division have cracked a case of alleged poaching after the carcass of a female leopard was discovered deliberately buried in the Rata Circle of Bamhni Range. Four individuals from Jhangul village have been booked, with three arrested and one currently absconding.
Snared by Dog Squad Investigation
The case came to light on the night of October 18 when a patrol team found a leopard carcass buried under Lantana bushes in a revenue area adjacent to Beat Jhangul. Only one hind leg and the tail were visible. The suspicion of foul play intensified after the Dog Squad investigation pointed toward Dharam Singh Udhke. During interrogation, Udhke confessed to dragging and burying the leopard’s body. He also implicated Man Singh Pandre, Kunji Lal Yadav, and the absconding Mantoo Vayam.
Trap Set for Different Prey
SDO (Forest) Shriram Sutrakar confirmed the arrests of Udhke, Pandre, and Yadav. Preliminary investigation suggests the accused initially intended to hunt a different animal for its meat, but the leopard inadvertently got caught in their trap. Evidence collected near the burial site, including burn marks near an electric pole, GI wire pieces, hooks, and puja materials, indicates the animal died from electrocution. Authorities also recovered a Sambar antler from Udhke’s residence. The accused are being presented in court as the search for the fourth suspect continues.
