Dhenkanal: A female elephant, aged around 15-20 years, was found dead in a paddy field in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district Monday, with a preliminary investigation indicating that it died of electrocution after coming in contact with an electric fence, forest officials said.
The incident took place at Simantapur village under the Sadangi Range of Dhenkanal Forest Division, they said.
The solar fencing around the agricultural field had been connected to the household electricity supply, a senior forest department official said.
The department has detained a 25-year-old man, identified as Mana Goya, a resident of Simantapur, in connection with the incident, and further investigation is underway, the official said.
A team of three veterinary doctors conducted the post-mortem examination as per prescribed procedures, while a joint team comprising the RCCF, Angul, DFO, Dhenkanal, an executive engineer of Tata Power, an electrical inspector and the JTF inspected the site and the fencing system.
“The prima facie finding is electrocution as the cause of death. The final findings will be based on the post-mortem report and the outcome of the ongoing investigation,” the official said.
Necessary legal action will be taken against those found responsible, in accordance with applicable provisions of law, he added.