Nilgiris: The 40-year-old male elephant found three days back in a badly-injured state near Masinagudi in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district died on Thursday on the way to the Theppakadu Elephant Camp.
The postmortem revealed that the tusker had suffered severe burns in its left ear and parts of the ear were profusely bleeding causing death. It also had a back injury and there was puss formation in its body that infected his lungs.
On Monday, forest officials found the injured elephant and gave first aid medicine through food to cure the injury.
After getting approval from higher authorities, the forest officials then captured the tusker by injecting an anaesthetic and were taking him to Theppakadu Elephant Camp for further medical treatment. However, the elephant died on the way to the camp.
It is speculated that the injury could have been caused due to infighting or piercing of tree branches.
Also, the cause of the burns found on his ears couldn't be ascertained and reportedly it was attacked with a petrol bomb.
Also read: Elephant with torn ear spotted in Tamil Nadu
Srikanth, the director of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve said, "Elephant's ear burns had been confirmed. A special committee has been set up to find out the anti-social elements who throw petrol bombs on an elephant. Strict action will take on the accused who all are involved in this issue."
Meanwhile, villagers around Masinagudi paid tribute to the elephant by lighting up a candle and putting flowers in his memory.
