Other States - Orissa

Injured elephant ‘dies’

BERHAMPUR: A female wild elephant allegedly injured by bullets of poachers is feared to have died inside Podagarji jungles near Sorada in Ganjam district on Monday evening after fighting for life for over seven days.

When contacted forest officials could not confirm the death of the pachyderm as it was located in a too remote dense forest area.

But locals like Bhabani Mishra who had visited the ailing elephant said the animal was gasping for breath till 4.30 p.m.

But according to him the local tribals of the area reported of its death at around 5.30 p.m.

The truth can only be confirmed after day break, forest officials said.

It was located in injured state by the villagers by the area.

Forest officials had initiated treatment of the elephant on Saturday.

It was made to stand with the support of wooden planks. The team of veterinary experts used anaesthesia to treat the animal.

The team included P. K. Ray a veterinary expert from Nandankanan zoological park and local veterinary officers. But they could not help much. It was alleged that Forest Department had failed to provide regular medical attention to the pachyderm writhing in pain.

It was placed on the Kapimunda hill of the jungle.

On Sunday no forest official or veterinary team reached the spot to dress the wounds of the animal or to provide further medical attention.

The animal in pathetic condition was silently standing at the spot.

It had drawn the attention of local villagers who did not have any means to help it except to pray. But the pachyderm had in the meantime got a name for her.

She was called Pinky by locals and forest officials.

As per locals the elephant had two wounds on its left leg. Both of them suspected to be made by bullets of poachers. The wounds had become septic .

The forest officials said the remoteness of the place where the injured pachyderm was located had hampered its treatment.

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