Daijiworld Media Network – Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, Jan 13: In a shocking incident, a two-year-old female elephant calf died after allegedly swallowing a country-made bomb inside the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. Forest officials have arrested a local farmer in connection with the incident.

According to forest department sources, patrol staff discovered the carcass of the elephant calf a few days ago in the Guthiyalathur reserve forest area. The officials immediately alerted the forest veterinarian, who found bleeding injuries in the animal’s mouth and trunk during preliminary examination.

An autopsy later confirmed that the calf had died after consuming a country-made explosive device. Forest officials suspect that the bomb was placed in the forest area either by a poacher or a farmer attempting to deter elephants from entering agricultural fields.

Following a detailed investigation, the forest department arrested Kalimuthu (43), a farmer from the region, in connection with the case. Officials said further inquiry is underway to ascertain the circumstances under which the explosive was placed.

The carcass of the elephant calf was subsequently buried at the same location as per standard wildlife protocols.

The incident has triggered outrage among wildlife activists and conservationists, who have once again highlighted the dangers posed to wild animals due to illegal and hazardous methods used to protect crops in forest fringe areas.