Niali attacks: 3 more sheep dead; Dama says it could be hyena

Cuttack: Panic among locals in Niali area of the district continues as three more sheep were found dead under mysterious circumstances with liver of the animals missing at Alana in the block on Sunday night. Two other animals were injured, reports said.

Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Damodar Rout denied the report of a mysterious animal killing the sheep. It could be hyena which killed them, he added. Rout further said the photo and video of killer animal, which went viral on social media, is rumours.

Also Read: Mysterious Animal Caught On Camera

"The deaths of the sheep is true, but liver missing is false. Chief District Veterinary Officer (CDVO), Cuttack, has written to the Forest Department regarding the matter. He has been asked to submit a report on the death of domestic animals", Rout added.

Meanwhile, Collector Nirmal Mishra ordered for constitution of an inquiry team to investigate death of sheep. "The team comprising local tehsildar, police IIC, forest officials will investigate the matter with the help of villagers. It is suspected hyena or similar kind of animals from nearest Bhanra forest sneak into the villages in the night to kill the sheep. To find out the killer animal, CCTV cameras will also be installed at sensitive places, if needed", Mishra said.

Post-mortem report revealed that some wild animals killed the sheep, said Cuttack (Rural) SP Madhab Sahoo said.  "Village Defence Guard comprising youths of concerned villages will be formed to check the menace. Those who are spreading rumors over the issue in social media will be taken to task. We will take the help of cyber cell in this regard", he added.
 

As many as 150 lambs were killed in Amanakuda, Bansahi and other villagers under Niali block in last two months in similar style. Locals are spending sleepless nights to catch the killer, but without any success. They suspect a mysterious animal killed the sheep even as no proof about the killer has yet been established.

Adding to the confusion, fake photographs and morphed videos of the creature are going viral in social media.

According to sources, some alien creature has allegedly been killing sheep in the area at night for last few days. Recently some humans were also reportedly attacked.