Kerala Forest personnel to track down mastermind behind death of pregnant elephant

Kerala Forest Department has launched a ‘manhunt’ for those responsible for the death of a 15-year-old pregnant wild elephant.

Palakkad (Kerala):The Kerala Forest Department has started its investigation into the death of a pregnant elephant after it was seriously injured by firecrackers hidden in a pineapple in Thiruvizhamkunnu Ambalappara.

According to sources, the forest department officials have launched a 'manhunt' for those responsible for the death of a 15-year-old pregnant wild elephant.

"As per the autopsy report, the elephant was found to be one month pregnant. As water entered her lungs, the elephant succumbed to her injuries. It is clear in the autopsy report that the injuries leading her to death after she allegedly ate a pineapple stuffed with firecrackers and the fruit had exploded in her mouth," a forest official said.

"The wild elephant had left the forest and was wandering in the nearby village in search of food. The explosion had badly injured her tongue and mouth and the elephant walked around the village, in searing pain and in hunger.

Following massive outrage, an FIR has been lodged against unidentified people under relevant sections of Wild Life Protection Act over the incident, and an investigation is underway to arrest the accused," the official added.

Soon after the autopsy was conducted, the dead elephant was buried in the forest. Forest department teams are probing this incident, sources said.