Manipur: Adult male elephant found dead in Margherita, electrocution suspected

Margherita: A full-grown male elephant was found dead near Sema Pathar in the Margherita area of Assam’s Tinsukia district. Forest officials suspect electrocution as the cause of death.

"We located the large male elephant lying near a bamboo tree," said a resident of Makum Pathar. "Electrocution seems the likely cause. Sadly, this isn't an isolated incident. We've had similar cases before, and we urge the forest department to take stricter action against those responsible," he said.

"The elephant had reportedly damaged some houses in the area recently. While the cause is under investigation, electrocution is a strong possibility," he added.

Forest officials have secured samples from the carcass for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

"The blockage of Bogapani and Golai elephant corridors significantly disrupts elephant movement patterns. Unable to find their usual routes, elephants stray into human settlements, leading to conflict. Additionally, recent floods have inundated most reserve forest areas, further limiting their movement," said environmental activist Debojit Moran.

"Illegal open-cast mining in Tinsukia's reserve forests disrupts elephant migration routes. Disoriented and unable to find food within their natural habitat, they enter human settlements. The district administration must take immediate action to curb illegal open-cast mining, which is severely harming the region's biodiversity," Moran said.

This news comes just days after another unfortunate incident in Assam, where a wild elephant was killed after being struck by a train in Morigaon district.