Assam government confirms death of 18 elephants due to lightning strikes

GUWAHATI: The Minister of Forest & Environment Parimal Suklabaidya has confirmed today that the unnatural death of 18 elephants detected on May 13 in Kathaitoli Forst Range of Nagaon was due to electrocution.

This was confirmed after a report submitted by the investigative team, including a team of qualified veterinarians, constituted for carrying out post-mortem reports of the elephants.

"in our opinion, the 18 elephants that were found dead in the Kundali hills have died due to electrocution by lightning," the report cited.

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The detailed report has also nullified the presence of any Anthrax like bacilli and toxins in the collected samples.

"As per situ spot evidence, the death of the elephants in the herd may not be attributed to any infectious pathological agent or any toxin or poison," added in the report.

The report also suggested, "There does not appear to be any foul play such as the conscious attempt of electrocution, revenge killing, poisoning, Anthrax outbreak, etc."

As many as 18 wild elephants had found dead on Bamunipahar hill in Nagaon district on May 13.

An investigative team has been constituted immediately as KK Deori, Deputy Conservator of Forest, inquiry officer to probe into the incident accompanied by a team of veterinarians.

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