Kolkata, 19 May (H.S.) : A full-grown elephant died near a private guesthouse in West Bengal’s Jhargram district after allegedly coming into contact with an electrified fence while trying to eat mangoes from an orchard, forest officials said on Tuesday.

The incident took place in the Shalbani area under the Lodhashuli range of Jhargram block. Local residents spotted the carcass of the elephant on Tuesday morning and informed the forest department.

Officials from the Jhargram forest division, personnel from the forest department, and police from Jhargram police station rushed to the spot after receiving the information. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Umar Imam also visited the site.

According to preliminary findings, forest officials suspect that the elephant may have died due to electrocution. Officials said burn marks were found on the trunk of the animal.

Locals alleged that electric fencing had been installed around the mango orchard of the private guesthouse where the elephant had reportedly entered to feed on mangoes. Residents claimed that the elephant had been seen in the orchard on Monday, a day before its body was discovered.

Forest department sources said elephant movement has been frequent in the Shalbani area for a long time. A herd of five elephants had reportedly entered the area a few days ago, and officials believe the deceased elephant was part of that group.

The carcass has been sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Speaking to reporters, Jhargram DFO Umar Imam said, “We have inspected the site. A male elephant has died, and we are investigating the cause of death. The exact reason will be confirmed after the post-mortem report.”

BJP MLA from Jhargram, Lakshmikanta Sau, also visited the spot and said a detailed investigation would be conducted into the death of the elephant.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh