Wildlife / Viral Stunt Goes Wrong as Kendujhar Youth Grabs Wild Elephant's Tusk for Reel

Kendujhar, Aug 6: A youth has been arrested in Odisha's Kendujhar district after a video of him performing a dangerous stunt with a wild elephant went viral on social media, a source said on Thursday.

The accused was identified as Ganesh Nayak from Godhuli village under Champua police station limits.

According to the source, Ganesh approached a wild elephant, held its tusk, and posed for photographs and videos before uploading them online. The clip quickly went viral, prompting the Kendujhar Forest Division to launch an investigation.

Based on the viral footage, the Forest Department arrested Ganesh Nayak along with two other youths. Officials said they have been booked for allegedly provoking a wild animal and violating wildlife protection laws. Forest officials further stated that Ganesh had a previous case registered against him and was absconding.

'Likes and Views Not Worth Your Life'
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) HD Dhanaraj said the department has repeatedly advised people not to approach wild elephants, throw stones at them, create loud noises, or attempt selfies and videos that could provoke the animals.

"Despite repeated awareness campaigns, some youngsters continue to risk their lives for social media likes, views and followers. This arrest sends a strong message that such reckless acts will invite strict legal action," the DFO said.

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The Forest Department reiterated that wild elephants are unpredictable and dangerous, urging the public to maintain a safe distance and avoid any activity that could endanger human life or disturb wildlife.

It can be mentioned here that Section 50 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 empowers specified forest and wildlife officers to enter, search, arrest, and detain any person reasonably suspected of a wildlife offence.