Raurkela/Bandhamunda: A 12-year-old tusker was electrocuted after coming in contact with a live wire laid around a paddy field near Tunguritoli village under Bandhamunda police limits in Sundaragada district.
The elephant’s carcass was found in the paddy field Wednesday morning.
Forest officials detained two people and questioned them in this connection.
According to sources, a herd of 23 elephants has been roaming the area for the past few days, damaging crops.
To protect their crop, some villagers allegedly laid electric wires around them.
The tusker came in contact with the live wire while entering the field in search of food Tuesday night and died on the spot.
On being informed, Raurkela Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rabikant Meena and other forest officials visited the site.
The department launched an investigation and detained two persons for questioning. It also initiated procedures for an autopsy.
Officials said the number of people involved in the incident would be ascertained after the probe is over.