Shocking video shows bear torture in Sukma forest; Rs 10k reward for arrest

Raipur: A group of villagers has been filmed torturing a bear that's caught in a wire trap in a forest in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district. It's not known if the animal survived.
The disturbing video swirled around on social media on Friday, sparking outrage and an intense search for the perpetrators. The forest department has offered a cash reward of Rs 10,000 to anyone who provides credible information that leads to the identification and arrest of the bear's tormenters
The footage shows the bear in agony, struggling to escape a wire trap. A group of men and women is seen tugging at the bear's ears and treating it cruelly. The bear is bleeding from the mouth and, shockingly, doesn't seem to have any teeth.
"We have verified the video with the help of cyber cell and wildlife experts. It appears to be around six months old, likely from Sept-Oct 2024, but it came to our knowledge through WhatsApp on Friday only. Based on the T-shirt worn by one of the individuals seen in the clip, we were able to trace the location to Kerlapal range of Sukma forest division," said Sukma DFO Ramakrishna.
"The bear appears to have suffered a spinal injury, possibly a broken backbone. Whether the animal is still alive or not, and other critical details, can only be confirmed once the two accused are apprehended. A manhunt has been launched to trace and arrest them," he added.
The DFO issued a circular on Friday, instructing all forest rangers to immediately identify the location of the incident and submit a report.
Rangers have been directed to begin a thorough search and question villagers in the region to gather leads. "The individuals involved in the act must be traced and apprehended within two days," it said, warning of strict action against wildlife cruelty. Anyone who gives actionable information on those torturing the bear will be rewarded with Rs 10,000, it says.
Forest officials have condemned the act and reiterated that any form of cruelty towards wild animals is a punishable offense under the Wildlife Protection Act.