Dibrugarh: Doomdooma Forest Division has launched a probe after a full-grown female Asian wild elephant was found dead in a paddy field near human habitation in Tinsukia district on Tuesday morning.The carcass was spotted at Balijan village under Dwarmara Reserve Forest after local residents alerted wildlife activists and forest officials. The elephant was found lying in a paddy field owned by farmer Lehuka Pator.Villagers suspect the elephant may have died on Monday, but the carcass was noticed only the next morning.Forest officials said the exact cause of death would be known only after a post-mortem examination. However, electrocution is being suspected as one of the possible causes. Locals and wildlife activists claimed there have been repeated allegations of farmers installing live electric wires around crop fields to keep elephants away, a practice that earlier led to wildlife deaths in the region.Wildlife activist Devajit Moran, who visited the site, sought a detailed inquiry.“This is not an isolated case. We have seen a pattern of such deaths in this belt over the past few years and, in several cases, electrocution was established as the cause. The forest department must conduct a detailed and transparent investigation. If illegal electric fencing is found to be responsible, strict action should be taken against those involved to prevent such incidents in future,” Moran said.Doomdooma divisional forest officer Puspadhar Borgohain said a team of veterinary experts and forest personnel was sent to the spot for a post-mortem examination and evidence collection.“Our priority is to secure the site, collect all relevant evidence and ensure the post-mortem is conducted properly. It is too early to comment on the exact cause of death. Whether it is electrocution, any other human-related factor or a natural cause can be ascertained only after the post-mortem findings and investigation are analysed. Appropriate action will be taken based on evidence,” Borgohain said.Forest officials said further details would be shared after the post-mortem report and probe findings are available.
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