18 Wild Elephants Found Dead in Assam
18 wild elephants were found dead on a hill in Assam and it is suspected that they could have been killed in lightning strikes.
According to the 2017 census, Assam has the second highest number of elephants in India after Karnataka. Wild elephants in the state of Assam have been victims of poaching, train-related accidents, poisoning and even electrocution. However this time a strange incident killed at least 18 wild elephants.
18 wild elephants were found dead on a hill along the border of Assam's Nagaon-Karbi Anglong district on Thursday 13th May 2021. Assam's Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Amit Sahay, said “The incident took place on Wednesday 12th May in a hilly area. The carcasses of 18 elephants were found at two separate locations. Four elephant carcasses were found at one spot and 14 others at another spot about 1 Km away. The preliminary investigation by the forest department revealed that the elephants could have been killed by lightning. Top officials of the forest department and veterinary doctors have been rushed to the spot."
Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had expressed concern over the incident. He asked the Environment and Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya to visit the spot to inquire into the matter. Suklabaidya on Friday 15th May visited the spot and ordered an inquiry into the matter. A committee, headed by Deputy Conservator of Forest KK Deori, was instituted.
The committee has been asked to submit a preliminary report within three days and a detailed investigation report within 15 days. Locals were also seen paying their respects to the fallen tuskers.
