Assam: An adult male elephant was discovered dead in a paddy field at Borkuruka revenue village under the Margherita West Range Forest of Digboi Forest Division early this morning.
Local residents suspect that the elephant died due to electrocution, allegedly set up by vested interests to prevent elephants from raiding crops.
Villagers reported that elephants frequently visit the area in search of food, particularly paddy fields. However, they expressed frustration and accused forest guards stationed at a nearby camp of negligence. The villagers alleged that the forest guards often consume hooch and fail to respond when called for assistance.
The Margherita West Range Forest team has arrived at the site, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the elephant’s death. The incident has highlighted the ongoing human-wildlife conflict exacerbated by the degradation of the Upper Dehing Forest Reserve, a part of the Digboi Forest Division. The reserve, once rich in biodiversity, has suffered due to rampant illegal logging, forcing elephants to venture into human settlements in search of food and shelter.
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