Forest Department Probes Illegal Power Supply Behind Elephant Death

Authorities in Saraguj are probing the circumstances that led to the electrocution of an elephant calf in the Udai pur forest range. The calf died after its trunk and leg became entangled in a high‑voltage wire that had been installed around nearby fields to deter wildlife from raiding crops.

The wire, extending for more than a kilometre, is suspected of being connected to an unauthorized domestic electricity source. The forest department’s investigation team is collecting forensic evidence and will analyze the post‑mortem report to confirm how the current reached the animal.

Local officials have also highlighted that the land surrounding the wire belongs to Sarpanch Chandan Ekka and his family, prompting a separate line of inquiry into who installed the fence and how it was powered. The department has warned that any illegal activity will be dealt with according to the law.

The incident follows a similar case on September 26 in Jashpur’s Duldula area, where an elephant also died after contact with an electrified fence.