Palakkad (Kerala): Forest department officials have got leads about the culprits in the case of the tragic killing of a pregnant wild elephant, in Thiruvizhamkunnu Palakkad, in Kerala.
The wild elephant from Silent Valley National Park in Palakkad district had chomped on the cracker-stuffed pineapple kept by some unidentified persons to drive away wild boars attacking the farms. The pregnant elephant succumbed to the grievous injuries after the cracker-laden pineapple exploded in her mouth as she chewed on it.
The Forest department had initiated an investigation to nab the culprits and seem to have received some leads in the case. The department has decided to take action only after receiving clear evidence in the case.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered by the Mannarkad Police after their team reached where the elephant had died and conducted the initial investigation. The police have recorded statements from the local residents and the farmers nearby.
The Police and Forest department strengthened their investigations as the incident grabbed national attention.
The wild pachyderm, which had strayed into the inhabited areas from Silent Valley National Park, had died on May 27th while standing in a river here, after it suffered from severe injuries in its mouth and jaw due to the cracker explosion. The elephant had chomped on a cracker-laden pineapple which would have been meant to drive away wild boars attacking the pineapple farms.
Both the jawbones of the elephant were shattered as the cracker filled pineapple exploded in its mouth, on May 25th. Her tongue and mouth were completely mangled and she might have suffered from excruciating pain, till she died on the third day after the incident.
She might have tried to find some relief by remaining in a river with her mouth underwater as she endured severe pain, till she succumbed while still standing in the river.
Also read: Pregnant wild elephant dies after cracker-laden pineapple explodes in her mouth
