2 tuskers found dead in Odisha, probe launched

At least two tuskers were found dead in Cuttack and Sundargarh districts respectively in Odisha on Saturday. While the reason of the death of the pachyderms is yet to be ascertained, forest officials have launched a probe into the incidents.

In the first incident reported from Narasinghpur in Cuttack district, the tusker was found dead in a garden close to a gas office in Rangdaba. The tusker is estimated to be between 10 to 12 years old, informed ACF Manoj Patra, Authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding the death, which appears suspicious. Further investigations are underway to determine whether foul play was involved or if the death was due to natural causes.

Likewise, another tusker's carcass was found in the Ujjalpur Range, near Dikaruwabahal village jungle in Sundargarh district. However, the elephant is believed to have died after being injured in a fight with another pachyderm. According to the District Forest Officer (DFO), the elephant succumbed to its injuries following the clash.

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In a different case reported from Mayurbhanj, a potato vendor from Balasore was seriously injured in an elephant attack near Madhavpal village under the Jharpokharia Police Station area of Mayurbhanj. The incident occurred when Shatrughan Patra, a businessman from Balasore, had gone to Madhabpal to purchase potatoes.

As per reports, he stepped aside to relieve himself in the nearby jungle. During this time, an elephant reportedly attacked him in which he was severely injured and rushed to the Baripada PRM Medical College Hospital for treatment. This unfortunate incident comes at a time when multiple regions of the state have witnessed elephant herds straying into human settlements, causing damage to paddy fields and crops.

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In recent days, several regions of Odisha have been experiencing very close encounters with wildlife, especially elephants. Loss of habitat and shortage of food could be connected with the recent incidents of elephants wreaking havoc in villages and some urban regions.

Recently, there has been an increase in hostility from locals towards elephants. Several reports from across Odisha have highlighted instances of elephants destroying crops and, in some cases, even causing fatalities. This has led to a rise in human-elephant conflicts in the region. It is also common knowledge that these majestic animals are often killed for their tusks, further exacerbating the situation.

In a case reported in November last year, an elephant was found dead with grave injuries indicating human-inflicted wounds. The pachyderm showed significant injury marks on her abdomen, back, and neck. Although the exact cause of her death could not be established, various speculations had emerged.