Paralakhemundi: Four elephants were electrocuted after coming in contact with an electric transformer near a farmland on the Odisha-Andhra border on Friday morning.
According to reports, locals found four carcasses of elephants near an electric transformer in Kadragada village of Parvathipuram district in Andhra Pradesh, bordering Odisha’s Gajapati district, this morning. Villagers said they apparently came in contact with the transformer leading to their death. The electric transformer was not protected by a boundary wall.
A herd of six elephants were migrating from Odisha to Andhra Pradesh and four of them died in the incident.
On being informed, police and Forest Department personnel reached the spot and started an investigation into the incident.
The incident occurred even as the Forest Department was working on a plan to create an elephant zone for 14 elephants, including eight already existing in the forest.
Forest officials said they would take steps to protect the remaining 10 jumbos. Animal rights activists have demanded immediate measures to establish an elephant rehabilitation center.
They said elephants are being forced to come out of their habitation for food and water in the current summer season but becoming victims of electrocution and other incidents.
