Electrocution claims lives of three elephants in Odisha’s Sambalpur

Bhubaneswar, Nov 18: Three elephants, including a calf, were found dead in Odisha's Sambalpur district, reportedly due to electrocution. The elephants are believed to have come into contact with a live wire set by poachers to trap wild boars in the Rairakhol forest area. The carcasses of the elephants were discovered in the Naktideul range under the Rairakhol forest division on Monday morning.

While the precise cause of death has yet to be confirmed, authorities suspect the elephants were electrocuted by the trap. The bodies were discovered by locals who immediately alerted the forest department. Upon receiving the information, forest officials and police swiftly arrived at the scene to investigate.

PCCF (Wildlife) Susanta Nanda expressed deep sorrow over the incident, promising that all efforts would be made to identify and apprehend those responsible. He also indicated that a lack of vigilance by the elephant patrol squad in the area could have contributed to the tragedy.

A Joint Task Force team, along with the Deputy Conservator of Forest and police, has launched an investigation. The Regional Chief Conservator of Forest has been directed to thoroughly investigate the incident and take strict action against any forest officials found negligent in their duties.