Dhenkanal, Jun 1: A suspected wildlife crime has come under scrutiny in Odisha's Dhenkanal district after allegations surfaced that an elephant was killed and buried inside a private farmhouse.

The alleged incident was reported at a farmhouse owned by Pramod Kumar Raja in Charanpur under Hindol NAC.

Following the allegations, the Forest Department sealed the entire farmhouse premises on Sunday evening. Police personnel, forest officials and electricity department staff have been deployed at the site as part of the investigation.

Officials said the area where the elephant is suspected to have been buried will be excavated in the presence of a magistrate. The excavation is expected to determine whether an elephant carcass is indeed buried there and help establish the circumstances surrounding its death.

Authorities are also examining whether the animal died naturally or was allegedly killed for its tusks before being buried. The Forest Department launched a detailed inquiry, and further facts are expected to emerge after the excavation.

Human Remains Found In Forest; Tiger Attack Suspected In Mayurbhanj
In yet another disturbing case of man-animal conflict, human remains believed to be those of a villager were discovered on Monday in Karanjia Forest Division in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, with preliminary indications suggesting a tiger attack.

According to a source, the remains were found in a forest near Rajam Sahi in Kumudabadi village under the Dudhiani Range of the Karanjia Forest Division.

Also Read: Leopard Skin Seized In Nabarangpur, Two Alleged Wildlife Traffickers Arrested

The deceased was identified as Sadhu Nayak, a resident of Basantpur village under Jashipur Police Station limits.


According to local sources, Sadhu Nayak had gone into the forest on Sunday morning to collect fodder for his goats but did not return home. On Monday morning, villagers reportedly found his blood-stained legs and a lungi in the forest.

Based on the condition of the remains and evidence at the site, officials suspect that a tiger may have attacked and partially consumed the victim. However, authorities are yet to issue a final confirmation.

Personnel from Jashipur Police and the Forest Department reached the spot and launched an investigation. Further examination is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances of the death.

This story was compiled by Manisha Dhal.