GUWAHATI, May 3 (ANI): Authorities at Assam’s Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve have launched a high-level investigation following the discovery of three elephant carcasses, two of which are suspected to be victims of poaching.
According to officials, the bodies of one adult female and one sub-adult male elephant were found on May 1 in the Sikarijhar area of the Panbari Range. A third carcass, also a female, was discovered later the same day in a stream near the Bonsom area of the same range.
Dr. C. Ramesh, Director of the Manas Tiger Reserve, stated that initial evidence indicates a strong likelihood of poaching in the case of the male elephant, whose tusks were missing. “The cause of death is suspected to be poaching,” he said. “A detailed investigation is underway with support from forest officials, veterinary experts, and law enforcement agencies to collect evidence and determine the exact circumstances.”
Post-mortem examinations have been completed, and the search for signs of illegal activity—such as footprints, vehicle tracks, or poaching tools—has been intensified across the area. Intelligence networks have been activated, and local communities and informants are being engaged to assist in tracking potential suspects.
“We have alerted all check-posts and established coordination with neighbouring forest divisions to prevent any escape by the culprits. Every effort is being made to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice swiftly,” Dr. Ramesh added.
In contrast, the third elephant death was determined to be of natural causes. “The carcass of the female elephant found near Bonsom appears to have died of old age,” Dr. Ramesh confirmed.
The discovery prompted an on-site inspection by top forest and law enforcement officials, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Dr. Vinay Gupta, Bodoland Territorial Council’s Head of Forest Department Suman Mahopatra, Superintendent of Police for Chirang District Akshat Garg, and Director Dr. C. Ramesh.
The suspected poaching incident has raised concerns over wildlife safety in the protected area, which is home to numerous endangered species including elephants and tigers. Officials have pledged to intensify anti-poaching operations and strengthen surveillance measures across the park.
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