Rairakhol: A male elephant has passed away in the forests of the Naktideul Range within the Rairakhol Forest Division, located in Odisha’s Sambalpur district, after being injured by a gunshot. The tusker endured eight days of pain before succumbing to its injuries today. The animal had been shot in its front left leg, resulting in a noticeable limp as it moved through the forest. Authorities suspect that poachers may be responsible for the attack.

Efforts to locate the elephant involved two teams from the Forest Department, who employed drone technology to search for the creature and provide necessary medical care. Unfortunately, the search ended with the discovery of the elephant’s carcass today. The prolonged suffering of the tusker has raised significant concerns regarding the circumstances of its injury.

An investigation is underway to determine who shot the elephant and the specific details surrounding the incident. As of now, the Forest Department has not issued any statements regarding this troubling event. In the past two years, reports indicate that seven elephants have died within the Rairakhol Forest Division.