A wild elephant died after coming into contact with an illegally electrified fence at a private farmhouse in Rajmohanpur under Hindol Sub-Division, Dhenkanal.
Officials said the carcass was buried inside the farmhouse, prompting swift action from the Forest Department and district administration.
On Monday, authorities exhumed the elephant’s body with the help of a JCB machine and launched a probe. Police detained three persons — the farm owner, a JCB operator, and a security guard — in connection with the case. The administration also seized the farmhouse premises.
Preliminary findings confirmed electrocution as the cause of death. Officials said further legal action would follow based on the post-mortem report and investigation results.
Dhenkanal DFO Lalit Kumar Patra expressed grief and urged the public not to install illegal electric or solar fences for crop protection. He appealed to residents to inform forest offices immediately if they notice elephant movement or illegal fencing.
