Keonjhar: A 30-year-old injured tusker that had been struggling to survive for several days died Monday afternoon in the Anandpur wildlife division, sparking criticism over delays in medical intervention.
According to Forest department sources, the injured elephant was first seen limping in the Atei reserved forest under the Ghatagaon range of Keonjhar forest division.
It later moved to Nuapada near Kolimati protected forest and then to Musal Nala near Kanto village.Forest officials attempted to tranquilise the elephant Sunday but only managed to administer antibiotics from a distance. Monday, a forest team tranquilised the tusker and began further treatment. It died around 3pm, two hours into the procedure.
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The elephant reportedly suffered from severe pain, was unable to eat, and vomited up anything it consumed. Pus was seen oozing from a wound and authorities suspect poachers might have injured it with arrows.
Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF) P Ramasamy said the exact cause of death would be determined after a post-mortem. Wildlife activists criticised the Forest department for failing to provide timely care, alleging negligence and procedural lapses.
PNN
