Dhenkanal, Jun 1: Dhenkanal district’s Hindol forest division has been shaken by revelations surrounding the death of an elephant in Charanpur. What initially appeared to be a natural incident has now been confirmed as a deliberate killing, exposing a web of illegal activities.

Forest officials revealed that the elephant, identified as a Makhna (tuskless male), was electrocuted after coming into contact with high-voltage wires connected to a solar fence around a farmhouse.

The farmhouse, owned by retired army personnel Pramod Raj, had been attracting elephants due to its mango orchards. Unable to tolerate the animal feeding on his crops, Raj allegedly devised a cruel plan by connecting live electricity to the fence during late hours.

Also read: Celebrated Birthday on Saturday, Found Dead on Sunday

On Thursday night, the elephant was fatally electrocuted. In an attempt to destroy evidence, Raj reportedly used a JCB machine to bury the carcass nearly 10 feet underground within the farmhouse premises.

After a five-hour operation, forest officials recovered the body, confirming foul play. Investigators also seized bloodstained electric wires used in the act.

The probe further uncovered that the farmhouse was not just a site for fruit cultivation but also a hub for illegal ganja (cannabis) farming.

Authorities discovered that government land, including forest and revenue plots, had been encroached upon to expand the property. This revelation has widened the scope of investigation, with local administration preparing to take strict action against the unlawful activities.

Officials stated that the post-mortem report will provide detailed confirmation of the cause of death, though preliminary findings point to electrocution.

The case has now become a turning point, not only exposing the brutal killing of a protected species but also unmasking a larger illegal empire operating under the guise of agriculture. More details are awaited as the investigation continues.