Dhenkanal, Jan 16: A wild elephant that suffered severe injuries after consuming an explosive device has been shifted to the Kapilash Elephant Treatment Center for advanced medical care. The elephant, rescued with the help of a specially designed vehicle Airavat, was transported from Angul to Kapilash Zoo in Dhenkanal.

The injured tusker was first spotted near Pathargada Sahi in Baluakata village, Bantala forest area of Angul. According to the Angul Forest Division, the elephant was immediately provided primary medical treatment by veterinarians from Kapilash, Satkosia, and Angul before being moved to Kapilash for further care.

Forest officials said the elephant had deep wounds on its mouth and jaw caused by the explosion. A crane was used to safely lift the animal into the rescue vehicle for transportation.

The Angul DFO informed that the elephant had been injured for approximately 6 to 7 days and had recently moved from the Hindol area of Dhenkanal district to Bantala in Angul. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities have assured strict action against those responsible.