Bhubaneswar: In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the region, a 16-year-old boy lost his life following an alleged accidental gunshot during a hunting expedition in the forests of Odisha’s Kandhamal district, police said on Monday.
The incident took place in the Kamuti forest under Tikabali Police Station limits on Saturday night. The deceased, a resident of Budeni village, had reportedly ventured into the forest along with two of his friends for hunting.
According to police sources, the firearm carried by one of the companions allegedly went off suddenly during the expedition. The bullet is suspected to have struck the minor on the head, killing him on the spot. In a state of panic, one of the accompanying youths rushed back to the village and informed the victim’s family about the mishap.
Upon receiving the information, police personnel from Tikabali, along with family members of the deceased, rushed to the forest and recovered the body. The sudden and untimely death of the teenager has left the family shattered and plunged the entire village into mourning.
A case has been registered and an investigation is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the firing. The body has been sent to the District Headquarters Hospital in Phulbani for post-mortem examination.
Officials said further action would be taken based on the findings of the probe.
Sources pointed out that unsafe and illegal hunting practices in forested pockets of Odisha continue to pose serious risks, particularly when minors are involved. Locals often venture into forests for hunting wild animals such as wild boar, deer and hare, while instances of poaching for animal parts have also been reported.
Wildlife activists have reiterated the need for stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns, urging the forest department to intensify measures to curb illegal hunting and protect wildlife in the state’s ecologically sensitive regions.
“Hunting practices are not new in Odisha’s forests. The forest department officials need to keep a constant vigil on such activities and take stringent actions against the culprits,” said Dr Gourang Charan Rout, a forest conservation activist.
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