An ailing 25-year-old elephant died on Saturday near Achchanda village under Patpura Reserve Forest in Sadar block.
Villagers said since Wednesday, the elephant was suffering from dysentery and without medical treatment, it died on Saturday morning. Receiving information, a team of forest officials led by DFO Harmohan Maharatha visited the spot. Assistant Conservator of Forests Biranchi Narayan Samal said they had received information about the ailing elephant late. “As soon as we received information about the health condition of the animal, our team rushed to Patpura,” he said.
This is second elephant to die in the district in a week. Two days back, an elephant was found dead at Kandhara reserve forest in Hindol sub-division. The carcass was found in Bimbri Khanda forest. According to reports, a herd of 25 elephants was roaming in the forest two days back. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the elephant was sexually assaulted by three tuskers which is a rare case,” said DFO Maharatha.
Apparently, although an elephant rescue centre functions in Kapilas, there is no medical team to provide immediate treatment to elephants when they are found ill in forests.