Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a five-year-old female elephant in the Nakati Deula forest area of Redhakhol Division, Sambalpur district.
The elephant is believed to have died early this morning after coming into contact with a live electrical wire laid illegally by a local resident.
Terming the incident tragic and unacceptable, the Chief Minister said that those responsible will not be spared and strict action will be taken. Acting on his instructions, a high-level investigation has been launched into the matter.
A team from Bhubaneswar, led by Chief Conservator of Forests Manoj Nayar, has reached the area to carry out a detailed probe. Senior officials from the Forest Department and the Electricity Department are also present at the site and have begun their investigation.
The Chief Minister’s office reaffirmed the government’s commitment to wildlife protection and warned of stringent action against anyone found guilty of negligence or illegal activities leading to such incidents.
