Dhenkanal: An adult male elephant, estimated to be around 25–30 years of age, was found dead near Bampa village under the Hindol Range of the Dhenkanal Forest Division on Sunday.
According to the Forest Department, personnel reached the spot immediately after receiving information, secured the area, and initiated an investigation as per standard protocol. A post-mortem examination was conducted by a veterinary team following Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in the presence of forest officials.
Officials from the Electricity Department also visited the site and participated in a joint inspection of the area.
Preliminary findings from the spot inspection and post-mortem examination suggest that the elephant may have died due to a lightning strike. However, officials confirmed that no evidence of electrocution—such as contact with electrical infrastructure or other signs of electrical injury—was found at the site.
The exact cause of death will be confirmed only after the final post-mortem report is received and all technical and departmental inquiries are completed.
