Elephant Tusk Found in Wall Unearths Crime Trail

A significant wildlife crime investigation has been initiated in Chhattisgarh's Gariyaband district following the discovery of a 10-cm elephant tusk. This tusk, allegedly found in a paddy field in 2021, was reportedly kept concealed within a house wall for four years before being seized by the anti-poaching unit of Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR).

Authorities have arrested Sukhchand and Pusauram, the latter being the son of the individual who initially found the tusk and later died in an elephant attack. Padhman, from whose house the tusk was retrieved, is also being questioned. The investigation suggests a possible chain of custody, with the tusk passing from the initial finder to Sukhchand, and then to Padhman.

Further complicating the case, the recovery included bows, arrows, slingshots, and remains of a wild boar. This collection of items points towards systematic hunting activities rather than isolated incidents. There is also an ongoing investigation into the possibility that the tusk belonged to an elephant that died in marshland, a detail that remains unverified.

Forest teams are employing a dog squad and planning excavations to uncover further evidence, including at a pond where the elephant may have died. A forest offense case has been registered under the wildlife protection Act, with officials suspecting this could be part of a larger wildlife trade network due to the concealment and attempted sale of the tusk.