The elephant that got stuck in the water near Mundali barrage in Mahanadi last month died due to cardiac or cardiogenic shock, revealed the post-mortem report.
As per preliminary post-mortem report, the tusker died due to cardiogenic shock after remaining stuck in water for a long time, said Sushen Panda, head of OUAT Pathology department on Thursday.
“As the elephant struggled a lot and got exhausted, there was severe impact on its vital organs including heart. The animal has died of shock, mostly a cardiogenic shock. It is a severe form of cardiac failure. Besides, the animal had also developed fear psychosis,” Panda told OTV.
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Panda clarified that the animal did not die due to drowning as presumed earlier.
“The animal was normal and physically fit as it struggled for a long time in the water. After the cardiagenic shock, it drowned. However, its death is not due to drowning,” he said.
As per the post-mortem report, the elephant died 72 hours before the conduct of the post-mortem. The Salepur veterinary officer has submitted the report to the forest department.
Notably, the elephant was part of a herd that was heading towards Dampada forest from Athagarh forest by crossing Mahanadi river on September 24. However, the bull got stuck in the water near Mundali barrage on account of strong currents .
A rescue operation, code named ‘Operation Gajraj’ was launched which led to a boat capsize near Mundali barrage in which OTV’s chief reporter Arindam Das and ODRAF jawan Sitaram Murmu lost their lives.
Following the mishap, the elephant was swept away in strong currents of water. The carcass of the elephant was found near Jobra later.