Adult Elephant Found Dead in West Singhbhum, Suspected Poisoning Under Investigation
In a distressing incident, an adult male elephant was discovered deceased in West Singhbhum district on Thursday. The carcass of the approximately 27-year-old tusker was located in a field within Malikapur village, situated under the jurisdiction of the Jaitgarh police station. Forest authorities from the Chaibasa forest division, including the ranger, veterinarians, and guards, promptly arrived at the scene to conduct a thorough postmortem examination.
Forensic Analysis Awaited to Determine Exact Cause of Death
Chaibasa divisional forest officer Aditya Ranjan stated that the initial veterinary autopsy failed to pinpoint the precise cause of the elephant's demise. The viscera have been carefully preserved and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Ranchi for detailed analysis. According to Ranjan, the elephant exhibited no visible signs of injuries or electrocution, leading officials to suspect poisoning as a potential factor. However, he emphasized that conclusive evidence can only be established after the forensic investigation is completed.
Ranjan further noted that both tusks of the elephant remained intact, but the probe will also explore whether poachers were involved in the death. The tusker had been observed moving along the state border with Odisha over the preceding four days, adding complexity to the case.
Rising Elephant Mortality in the Region Raises Concerns
This incident highlights a troubling trend in West Singhbhum district, where seven elephants have lost their lives since June of last year due to various causes. The forest department is intensifying efforts to address these fatalities and prevent future occurrences. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this latest death and implement necessary conservation measures.
