A male wild elephant died in Odisha’s Angul district after consuming suspected explosive materials, an official confirmed on Friday. The animal, part of a herd of 51, suffered severe mouth injuries and fell behind due to its weakened state.
Despite intervention from a team of veterinary doctors on January 15, the sub-adult elephant succumbed to its injuries while being transported to the Kapilash Elephant Rescue Centre. The initial sighting of the injured elephant was reported on January 13 in the Bantala forest range.
Authorities suspect that the injury was caused by a crude bomb or explosive trap laid by miscreants. A post-mortem has been conducted, and the forest department has initiated an investigation to apprehend those responsible for this tragic incident.
(With inputs from agencies.)