TURA, Jan 17: Chilling details of the gruesome killing of an adult elephant emerged on Tuesday; presumably after the hapless animal was gored to death by miscreants from Bangladesh side through a poison-laced spear.
The gruesome incident has sent shockwaves across circles and put a question mark on the state’s preparedness to combat cross-border conflict, especially atrocities committed against wildlife.
On Tuesday, the wounded pachyderm was found inside the Meghalaya border near Kalaichar in South West Garo Hills (SWGH).
The elephant, which bled from a spear wound in the stomach, was reportedly well taken care of by the officials of the Wildlife Department. They, however, couldn’t save its life.
The incident apparently took place on Monday night when villagers from the other side of the border targeted the elephant, which was traveling with its herd.
According to sources, BSF inspector Douminwan, Off Coy Commander, BOP Balughat, 28 BN BSF informed the Range Officer that they had noticed one wounded elephant, which had crossed over from Bangladesh to Indian territory, roaming in the area. They asked for immediate help to save the elephant. By the time the team reached the spot at around 12:15 pm, the elephant had died.
“We received information about an injured elephant in extreme pain near Balughat-Kalaichar border. A team from the Wildlife department, along with a veterinary doctor rushed to the spot to save the animal. It was too late by the time we reached. It was already dead and the herd had disappeared,” said DFO of Wildlife, West, South, and South West Garo Hills, Rupankar Marak.
A post-mortem was conducted and the spear was removed from the elephant’s body. The spear was stuck near the animal’s kidneys.
“We suspect the sword was poisoned and the pachyderm died an agonising death not only from the spear wound but also from the poison. We will be able to provide more details following a toxicology report. This is a cruel act to say the least,” informed the DFO.
Following the post-mortem, the Wildlife Department filed an FIR at the Purakhasia PS.
The incident shocked the locals. Tura resident, Maxbirth Momin expressed deep anguish over the cruelty with which the elephant was killed.
“We have to understand that they (elephants) are not at fault as they too share our space. Whether done by someone from India or from neighbouring Bangladesh or whoever has done this deserves punishment,” said Maxbirth.
Locals said incidents of targeting elephants with poisonous spears are on the rise. They said criminals from the other side of the border often chase and kill animals.
