A three-member team led by Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) reached Kotpad on Monday to investigate the bear attack case in which eight people were killed in last two days.
A tranquiliser team which accompanied the CCF is also trying to capture other two bears suspected to move in the jungle.
Notably, a wild bear killed four people on Saturday and four others the following day. The local people, who alleged forest official inaction to avoid more deaths, later beat the animal to death.
“We are asked to capture the two other bears suspected to move in the jungle and to find out the reason of the bear attack,” said tranquiliser expert Kamallochan Purohit. On the other hand, Forest and Environment Minister Bijayashree Routray reviewed the situation with senior officials. “We are waiting for their report and steps will be taken accordingly,” said Routray.
Expressing condolence for the deceaseds’ families, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the victims’ kin.