Bhubaneswar: A female elephant, which had been battling for life after allegedly consuming food laced with explosives, reportedly died in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district on Tuesday.
Officials said the elephant was being provided medical care at Talabandh Forest Range office in the North Division of the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) for the last around ten days after being rescued. However, the animal could not be saved despite efforts by a team of veterinarians and experts.
According to sources, the injured elephant was rescued by the Forest Department after it strayed away from its herd and was found wandering near a village under Betnoti forest range in a severely wounded condition. It was suspected that the explosives, hidden in food possibly to target wild boars or to deter elephants from raiding crops, detonated in its mouth, severing the tongue into three pieces and causing severe jaw infections.
The elephant was tranquilised and later transported to Talabandh Range office for treatment,
The animal had sustained severe wounds in its mouth and lost approximately one-third of its tongue when it was rescued.
Forest department officials are conducting a detailed investigation to ascertain the circumstances which led to the incident. Strict action will be taken against whoever is found responsible, officials said.
