Chennai: Forest officials arrested a farmer who allegedly dug a hole and buried a four-year-old elephant that was electrocuted to death at his farm in Krishnagiri on Tuesday. The farmer was also accused for burying the elephant without informing the officials on November 20.
According to ANI, a farmer Ellappa (63) illegally electrically fenced his paddy field to keep away wild animals. On November 20, a wild elephant herd with calves reportedly went to Oodedurgam forest area and near the paddy fields. When the calf neared the fence at the paddy field of Elappa, the calve died of electrocution.
According to ANI, Karthikeyini, Dist Forest officer said, “An elephant was electrocuted on November 20. The farmer on whose land the elephant was electrocuted due to illegal fencing has been arrested. Post mortem of male elephant aged 4-6 years done.”
Karthikeyini said, "The farmer Elappa dug a hole and buried the baby elephant's body in the nearby farmland with the help of his sons without informing the forest department."
"The people of Kadur village have come to know about this incident. There is also a strong stench in the area. Based on information, the forest department took away the fences around the place where elephant was buried," she said, as per ANI.
Based on a tip-off, the forest department excavated the body of the elephant with JCB machine and conducted an autopsy.
The tusks of the elephant was also reportedly removed.
As a result, the forest officials have booked several cases under Wildlife Act. The officials are also on the lookout to find out the sons of Ellappa.