Bhubaneswar: A young female elephant died on Wednesday after sustaining critical injuries from an explosive-laden food item in Mayurbhanj district.
The 7–8-year-old elephant had suffered severe facial wounds and a mutilated tongue, leaving her unable to eat or drink.
According to reports, the elephant was part of a herd of 27 that had moved from the Betnoti forest range to Nilagiri in Balasore about two weeks ago. On December 11, two elephants, including the injured female, were left behind in Chuapada forest. Villagers discovered the maimed elephant the next day and immediately alerted forest authorities.
The animal was tranquilised and shifted to the Talabandh Range Office under the North Division of Similipal Tiger Reserve for intensive treatment. Despite the efforts of veterinary staff, the elephant succumbed to her injuries.
Forest officials suspect that explosives were deliberately hidden in food, possibly to trap wild boars or prevent elephant raids on crops, leading to the blast when the animal consumed it.
“Despite our best attempts, the elephant could not be saved. We are awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause of death,” said Divisional Forest Officer Gobinda Chandra Biswal.
