Forest Officer Hospitalised After Being Struck by Bear Tranquiliser Dart in Odisha’s Dhenkanal

Dhenkanal: In a tragic incident in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, a forest official was severely injured after being accidentally struck by a tranquiliser dart.

Deepak Sahu, a forester, was admitted to Dhenkanal District Headquarters Hospital in critical condition after the mishap, which occurred while a team of forest personnel was attempting to tranquilise a bear at Kerajoli, under the Kankadahada forest section, Kamakhyanagar eastern range, around 2 PM.

The dart, intended for the bear, accidentally hit Sahu, leaving him unconscious. He was rushed to the Trauma Care Centre, where doctors administered antidote injections.

Medical staff stated that as the tranquiliser was meant for animals, it may take several hours for Sahu to regain consciousness. His condition has since been stabilised, according to hospital sources.