Bhubaneswar, Dec 20: A one-year-old elephant calf was found dead near Mahadia village under the Sadar Forest Range in Dhenkanal district on Saturday, triggering concern over human–wildlife conflict in the area. Forest officials suspect electrocution as the possible cause of death, though the exact reason will be confirmed after a post-mortem examination.

According to preliminary reports, the calf was part of a wild elephant herd that had strayed out of the Mathargadi forest in search of food. The herd reportedly entered nearby agricultural fields to feed on standing paddy crops, a recurring issue in the region during the harvest season. During this movement, the young elephant is believed to have come into contact with a solar fence installed by farmers to protect their crops.

Sources claimed that the fence may have been illegally connected to a high-voltage power line, resulting in a fatal electric shock to the calf. Such unauthorised electrification of fences has been cited in several wildlife deaths in the past.

Forest department officials rushed to the spot after receiving information and initiated an inquiry into the incident. They said the carcass has been sent for post-mortem, and action will be taken against those responsible if electrocution is confirmed. The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for safer measures to mitigate human–elephant conflict.

Powered by Froala Editor