Bhanjanagar: A wild tusker was found dead at Ghumusara North Forest Division near Baradanda village in Ganjam district Monday.
According to reports, the elephant that died Sunday night was spotted by locals who informed the forest officials.
On receipt of information, the forest personnel reached the spot and started an investigation.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the wild pachyderm died due to illness.
Notably, a five-year-old tusker was allegedly shot dead by some poachers Sunday.
The carcass of the tusker with its tusk intact was spotted near Nijakhandipentha village under Digapahandi block of Berhampur forest division in Ganjam district.
The villagers spotted the carcass near Danabedha pond at 4 am following which sarpanch Bibhuti Bhushan Mohapatra informed the forester Paramananda Panigrahi and K Nuagaon police station.
Residents said it was a case of poaching as the carcass had a wound on its neck portion.
Moreover, the carcass of the tusker was covered in blood and had gunshot marks, the Divisional Forest Officer of Berhampur Forest Division, A K Behera, said.
PNN
