A 50-year-old woman sustained injuries after she stepped on a crude bomb allegedly planted to hunt wild animals in the Gummanahalli forest range at Doddaballapura on the outskirts of the city on Wednesday.
The injured, identified as Rangamma, had ventured into a restricted area of the forest to graze her goats when the incident took place. According to police, she accidentally stepped on a crude explosive that exploded, injuring her hand.
Hearing the explosion, villagers rushed to her aid and rushed her to the Doddaballapura Government Hospital, where she was recuperating.
The Doddabelavangala police registered a case under the Explosives Act, 1884 and launched efforts to trace those responsible for planting the bomb.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the miscreants had allegedly prepared crude explosive devices to trap wild animals, especially wild pigs.
“The bombs are usually laced with animal waste to attract wild animals. The accused then return the next day to pick up the dead bodies for meat, either for sale or for personal consumption,” said a police officer.
Officials added that these illegal methods of hunting have caused numerous injuries and deaths – both to villagers and domestic animals – in the past.
The forest department has also launched an investigation to identify the people behind the incident. Officials also warned villagers against trespassing in restricted forest zones, saying such illegal activities put both human and animal lives at risk.
Published – 13 Nov 2025 20:39 IST
