Three elephants killed after falling in electric trap laid for boars in Odisha

Carcasses of three elephants have been discovered in the forest near Buramal in Sambalpur's Naktideul forest range. The deceased elephants include two adults and one calf.

While no exact reason for the elephants' death was known immediately, it is believed that the pachyderms died due to electrocution. The matter came to the fore after locals spotted the carcasses and informed forest officials.

On being informed, Forest department officials rushed to the scene to investigate the matter. Expressing outrage, locals attributed the elephant deaths to the negligent attitude of the Forest department officials.

Despite the movement of elephants in the area, officials were least bothered to increase the height of the electric poles and wires in the region. Meanwhile, many claimed the elephants were electrocuted after coming in contact with live wire laid to trap boars.

When contacted, PCCF Susanta Nanda said, “As per the preliminary report from DFO and field staff, the elephants were electrocuted after coming in contact with electric wires laid by poachers/hunters to trap wild boars. I humbly admit that there was negligence on the part of the patrolling team and officials of the area. The death of three elephants is a heartbreaking incident.”

“I have directed RCCF to conduct a thorough probe and strict action will be taken against those found guilty. This is the third such incident in Rairakhol area. Officials because of whose negligence this incident happened will not be spared,” the PCCF added.

“Recently, we had conducted an elephant census there recently. They should have done patrolling and removed such electric wires. So, I admit both electricity officials and forest officials negligence led to the death of the pachyderms,” he added.

Taking the elephant deaths seriously, Odisha Deputy CM KV Singh Deo said, “Both the electricity department and forest department are responsible to keep an eye on electric wires laid by poachers. Strict to strict punishment will be given to those found guilty, that will be exemplary for others so that no one dares to repeat it again.”