Sambalpur: In a tragic incident, three elephants, including a calf, died reportedly due to electrocution after coming in contact with live wire laid out by poachers to trap wild boars in a forest in Rairakhol area of Odisha’s Sambalpur district.
According to official sources, carcasses of three elephants were found in the Naktideul range under the Rairakhol forest division of the district during the early hours of Monday.
While the exact cause of death is yet to be ascertained, the elephants were suspected to have been electrocuted after falling in the electric trap laid for wild boars. The incident came to light after locals spotted the carcasses and informed forest department officials.
After getting information, forest department personnel and police reached the spot to probe the matter.
Describing the incident as extremely unfortunate, PCCF (Wildlife) Susanta Nanda said all efforts will be made to nab the accused and ensured strict action against negligent officials. Negligence and lack of vigilance by the elephant squad patrolling in the area, cannot be ruled out, he said.
A team of Joint Task Force, Deputy Conservator of Forest and police have reached the spot to start an investigation into the jumbo deaths.
The Regional Chief Conservator of Forest (RCCF) has been asked to probe the incident and ensure strict action against any forest official found guilty of negligence in duty.
A meeting with electricity authorities will also be held to figure out the modalities of electric fencing without causing any harm to wild animals. A fresh SOP will be prepared for patrolling, the PCCF said.
