A tusker was found dead inside Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary in the district on Friday. The elephant, whose tusks were missing, is suspected to have been killed at least four to five days back. A forest guard has been placed under suspension in this regard.
Forest officials recovered the carcass near a waterbody, about 1.5 km from Balichua under the Balianala forest beat house, after being informed by the locals.
The elephant is suspected to have been killed by gunshot. Officials confirmed that the tusks of the pachyderm were removed by the poachers immediately after it was killed. The elephant has visible deep injury marks on its head.
DFO Kedar Swain said tusks weighing about 1.5 kg was recovered from the spot and carcass sent for autopsy. It was later buried inside the forest, he added.
The DFO said forest guard Manoj Mahalik has been suspended for dereliction of duty. “Poachers have killed two elephants in his beat area in past few months and he has completely failed to protect the wildlife despite being provided with all possible support. We are interrogating some suspected persons and hope to nab the poachers soon,” Swain added.
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