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Three elephants killed after falling into electric trap set for wild boars in Odisha

Umito November 18, 2024

Carcasses of three elephants were found in the forest near Buramal in the Naktideul forest range of Sambalpur. The deceased elephants include two adults and a calf.

Although there is no exact reason for the death of elephants was known immediately, it is believed that the pachyderms died of electrocution. The matter was raised after locals spotted the carcasses and informed forest officials.

After being informed, officials of the Forest department rushed to the spot to investigate the matter. Expressing their outrage, residents attributed elephant deaths to the negligent attitude of the officials of the Forest Department.

Despite the movement of elephants in the region, authorities have been least concerned about increasing the height of electric poles and wires in the region. Meanwhile, many claimed the elephants were electrocuted after coming into contact with live wires strung to trap wild boars.

When contacted, PCCF Susanta Nanda said: “According to the preliminary report of DFO and field staff, the elephants were electrocuted after coming into contact with electric wires laid by poachers/hunters to trap wild boars. I humbly admit that there was negligence on the part of the patrol team and those in charge of the area. The death of three elephants is a heartbreaking incident. »

“I have asked the RCCF to conduct a thorough investigation and strict action will be taken against those found guilty. This is the third such incident in the Rairakhol region. The officials due to whose negligence this incident occurred will not be spared,” the PCCF added.

“We recently carried out an elephant census there. They should have patrolled and removed those electrical wires. So, I admit that the negligence of power and forest officials led to the death of the pachyderms,” he added.