Tusker dies of suspected electrocution in Odisha’s Athagarh, locals allege Forest dept negligence

A tusker was found dead under mysterious circumstances near the Kulailo village within the Athagarh forest range in Cuttack district on Thursday morning. Its trunk was entangled in electric wires, leading to suspicions that it died due to electrocution.

What happened to the tusker?

Sources stated that locals spotted the lifeless body of the tusker early this morning and informed Forest Department officials, who then confirmed that it had died. Broken electric wires and a bent pole indicated that the elephant was likely electrocuted to death, as per the locals.

On the other hand, forest department personnel stated that the concerned wires were deadlines and had no live electric supply and also informed that a post-mortem would ascertain the exact cause of death.

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Locals allege Forest Department negligence

Kulailo natives present at the spot stated to sources that the elephant was definitely electrocuted and that the Forest department staff as well as electricity officials had failed to identify that live current was passing through the wires.

They also alleged that the wires were hanging at a height of just five feet, making them extremely deadly for a tusker or a human.

“We had alerted the concerned authorities about the presence of elephants in the area but they did not pay any attention to the matter. The death of this tusker is a result of complete negligence and the forest department’s apathy,” alleged a local.

Athagarh DFO clarifies the situation:

Meanwhile, the Athagarh Forest Department reached the spot and launched an investigation. Athagarh Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Jagyandatt Pati reiterated that a joint drive by the forest and electricity officials a while ago had confirmed that these were dead wires with no electricity.

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“The tusker likely got tangled in the wires, which were covered in creepers. In its struggle to break free, it may have broken the insulators that may have discharged a 33 kV current resulting in its death. However, senior electricity officials are on the way and will clarify the matter,” he added.