Dibrugarh: A wild elephant was found dead under mysterious circumstances near the Abhaypur Reserve Forest in Assam’s Charaideo district on Saturday, triggering concern among wildlife officials and local residents.
According to initial reports, the elephant had reportedly ventured out of the reserve forest in search of food before its carcass was discovered near the forest fringe. The exact cause of death remains unknown.
Soon after receiving the information, personnel from Sonari Police Station and officials of the Forest Department rushed to the spot and launched an investigation.
A veterinary team is expected to conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death, while forest officials have collected preliminary evidence from the site.
Authorities have not ruled out any possibility, including electrocution, poisoning or other forms of human-wildlife conflict.
Officials said the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after the forensic and post-mortem reports are available.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing challenge of human-elephant conflict in Assam, where wild elephants frequently leave forest areas in search of food due to habitat disturbance and shrinking natural resources.
Abhaypur Reserve Forest in Charaideo district has witnessed several incidents involving elephant movement in recent years, prompting repeated calls for stronger conservation measures and the protection of wildlife corridors.
Forest authorities have assured that a thorough investigation is underway and that appropriate legal action will be taken if any foul play is detected.