Sundergarh: An elephant calf died last night after accidentally falling into a trench dug by the Railway department near Mahipani village under Bisra forest range in Sundergarh district.
The carcass of the one-year baby elephant was recovered from the pit by the forest department this morning.
According to reports, a herd of pachyderms had entered Mahipani village following which locals tried to drive them away from the habitation.
In the meantime, the elephant calf slipped into the trench dug near railway tracks by the railway department. Forest officials later rushed to the spot after getting information and tried to rescue the elephant calf.
However, the other pachyderms, which were infuriated in the driving away attempt by the locals, did not leave the spot leading to delay in the rescue operations following which the calf died.
Meanwhile, the divisional forest officer (DFO) has directed the concerned officials to examine the condition in which the elephant fell into the pit. The officer has also ordered to inspect any lacunae on part of the railway or forest department that led to the mishap.