An elephant died while undergoing treatment in the Khairamunda Gaon reserve forest under the Mahabirod range of Dhenkanal district on Thursday. The Forest Department has started an investigation into the cause of its death.
As per reports, the deceased animal is a female aged between 25 and 30 years. The elephant was suspected to be ailing and had strayed into the Mahabirod range from Talcher area, sources said.
Forest officials came to know about the sick animal and made arrangements for its treatment after tranquilising it. However, the animal died later. The Forest department has not yet clarified the cause of the animal's sickness and its death.
Meanwhile, a joint task force has started an investigation to establish the exact cause of its illness and death.
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Its death came just four days after an elephant was found dead in the Telkoi range of Keonjhar district. It was learned that the animal had died after coming in contact with a high-tension electricity wire which was laid by some poachers to kill wild boars.
After investigating the matter, the Forest officials arrested five persons.