A Correspondent, Tinsukia: A mature wild elephant was found dead due to electrocution on Thursday at Ouguri village, under the Lakhipathar Forest Range of the Digboi Forest Division in Assam’s Tinsukia district. The incident reportedly occurred when the elephant, emerging from the West Block of the Upper Dehing Reserve Forest in search of food, came into contact with illegally installed electrified fencing in a nearby tea garden. The carcass was discovered in a privately-owned tea garden belonging to a resident of Upper Mamorani village, from the Moran community. Preliminary examination suggests that the animal had died at least two days prior to the discovery, as indicated by signs of decomposition.Upon receiving the report, Digboi Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) B.V. Sandeep, who recently assumed charge on May 19, rushed to the site along with other forest officials and launched an investigation. “We are examining the factors thoroughly before drawing any conclusions,” said the DFO, stressing that the department is committed to addressing the issue of wildlife safety. He acknowledged a reported decline in human-elephant conflicts in the area but emphasized the urgent need for stricter enforcement of non-lethal deterrents, early warning systems, and elimination of unsafe electrical setups near wildlife corridors. Lakhipathar Forest Range Officer Montu Chetia confirmed that viscera samples have been sent for postmortem analysis and results are awaited. He also revealed that the tea garden owner confessed to having installed the electrified trap to deter elephants, though he failed to report any prior elephant incursions to the forest department. The owner also admitted to dismantling the structure before officials arrived at the site. While the forest department has yet to disclose any legal action, officials have made it clear that such cases will be dealt with firmly, warning both civilians and staff against negligence or malpractice. Notably, on May 19, the department carried out an eviction drive in the same range, clearing two hectares of illegal tea plantations bordering the Upper Dehing Reserve Forest. The tusker’s death now adds urgency to wildlife protection efforts in the sensitive forest region.
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