Bhanjanagar: Even as a spate of sheep killings in Niali continues to baffle forest officials and similar incidents were reported from Jagatsinghpur, Kalahandi and Kendrapara districts, the scare has now gripped people of a village in Ganjam district where nine sheep were found dead Sunday.
Panic stricken people of Badapathara village under Bhanjanagar block claimed that the sheep were killed by mysterious animal.
Three more sheep were badly injured after being attacked by the animal and being treated at a local veterinary hospital.
Ghumusar divisional forest officer Ramsami P and forester Babul Sethy along with other officials reached the village and took stock of the situation.
“The exact reason of the sheep deaths has not yet been ascertained and a probe is on,” said the officials.
They said 24-hour patrolling will be conducted near the village to ensure safety of farm animals.
“Trap cameras will be installed in the village and its nearby areas. We request the people not to panic, but cooperate with the forest department,” the officials said.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people thronged the village to catch a glimpse of the dead sheep.
According to sources, Balram Gouda had tied his 50 sheep at his shed late Saturday night.
Forest officials believed the animal strayed into the village late in the night and attacked the sheep. Nine of them were killed while three were found lying in a pool of blood with severe wounds. Most of the sheep had injuries on their chest and belly portions, it was learnt.
Although some neighbours were aware of the attack on the animals, they dared not to venture of their houses out of fear. They remained indoors throughout the night and alerted others by phone not to come out of their houses until dawn.
Locals woke up in the morning to find a mutilated sheep carcass in the village courtyard. Soon, eight other carcasses were spotted.
Veterinary doctor Subhranshu Sekhar Patnaik said the exact reason of the deaths would be ascertained after arrival of the post-mortem report.
DFO Ramsami said a probe was on and compensation would be provided to the affected farmer. PNN