A disturbing incident of animal cruelty has come to light in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, where villagers physically tortured a black bear. The animal allegedly died due to the long ordeal.

A video of the entire incident has gone viral on social media. The forest department has ordered an inquiry into the matter and has promised stern action against the perpetrators.

The video shows the bear's hand tied to a wooden plank with a steel wire, while a person standing beside the animal is seen pulling its ears with full force as the animal writhes in pain. Another person can be seen hitting the bear hard on its head with his hands. Moments later, the same person can be seen plucking the bear's nails as its cries get louder due to excruciating pain.

The video shows children, women and other villagers looking on as the torture continues.

The villagers allegedly thrashed the bear brutally and broke its mouth. In the video, the bear can be seen bleeding profusely from its mouth.

As the video went viral, the local forest department took note of it and ordered an investigation into the matter. The forest department has announced a reward of Rs 10,000 on the accused and has released their pictures. Officials said that there is provision for life imprisonment in such cases.

"We will find out who the people seen in the video are and where they live, after which action will be taken against them under the Wildlife Act 1972. There is a provision of two years of imprisonment or life imprisonment in such cases. The accused will definitely be punished," Chief Conservator of Forests, RC Dugga, said.

Source: India Today