Angul, Oct 27: A 12-year-old male elephant was found dead, reportedly due to electrocution, in the Dantarikhola Reserved Forest near Jhilli Munda village under the Handapa Forest Range in Athmallik, Angul district.

According to reports, the elephant came into contact with an electric wire laid to hunt wild boars. Allegedly, some individuals illegally tap high-voltage 11 kV power lines by attaching hooks to the wires to kill wild animals.

The incident has raised concerns over the alleged lack of adequate night patrolling by the Forest Department, which may be providing opportunities for illegal hunting activities in the area.

Meanwhile, the Forest Department has reportedly remained tight-lipped about the incident and is carrying out a post-mortem examination of the carcass. Access to an area within a two-kilometre radius of the incident site has reportedly been restricted.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over wildlife safety and the threat posed by illegal electric traps in forest areas. Further details regarding the circumstances of the elephant's death are awaited.