After initial effort, alleged negligence of the Forest Department has left the injured tusker fighting a lost battle. The animal collapsed in a forest near Dakra village under Dhama forest range on Monday. It had sustained injury near the knee on the right leg.
Wildlife enthusiasts gheraoed the Assistant Conservator of Forest when he along with the forest officials reached the spot demanding treatment to the injured tusker.
It is learnt that when the tusker did not respond to treatment, the Forest Department abandoned the programme instead of shifting it to specialised care.
Dhama Forest Ranger Kashinath Sahu confirmed that the tusker had collapsed and there was little they could now do to revive it.
The tusker was first spotted at Sitlenpali-Daldali under Tabloi Deogaon reserve forest in Dhama forest range about a fortnight back with an injury. After the locals informed the Forest Department, a special team led by veterinarian was constituted to treat it.
After trailing the tusker for sometime, it was finally tranquilised and administered antibiotics in Bhalugad forest. The leg was scanned with a metal detector to ascertain whether a bullet was stuck to the wound. It was found to be an injury which had swollen its leg.