Overview
- A multi-post X thread that began June 15 shared multiple video clips alleging five men from Mayurbhanj repeatedly entered Simlipal habitat, chased herds on motorcycles, and filmed the encounters for reels.
- Footage described in the thread shows the group approaching elephants at close range, focusing on a calf in one clip and in another poking an elephant with a stick.
- The posts have generated strong online outrage and urged the Odisha Forest Department and Odisha Police to identify the men and take legal action under wildlife protection laws.
- Reporters noted that officials were tagged in the viral posts but had not issued a public response as of the latest coverage, and some implicated content reportedly remains visible on social profiles.
- Conservationists say repeated provocation can stress elephants and spark defensive attacks, which could raise the risk of injury or death for local people and animals and increase pressure on local wildlife enforcement and platform moderation.