Hindol: An elephant carcass was spotted lying in Kusapada forest near Kantamila village under Hindol forest range of Angul district Saturday. Preliminary investigation revealed that it died after coming in contact with a live wire laid out to haunt boars.
Local residents spotted the carcass Saturday morning when they were passing by the location. They immediately informed the forest department. Later, Hindol forester Lohit Rath along with staff and a veterinary doctor reached the spot and launched an investigation. The veterinary doctor performed the postmortem there.
According to locals, it is common for poachers to lay live electric wires in jungle to kill wild animals. The jumbo is suspected to have stepped on one such electric wire Friday night.
When asked, the forest department officials said they were yet to arrest anyone in this connection. Their investigation is on, they added.
Notably, two elephant carcasses were recovered at Raba village of Kushakala panchayat under Bhuyan Juang Pirh forest Range in Keonjhar district July 19 morning. The carcasses were of a female elephant and a calf.
PNN