Guwahati: A wild elephant was found dead after being electrocuted by an illegal electric connection in the Kuklung Forest Range near Manas National Park in Assam’s Chirang district. The incident took place at Hayanari No. 3 (Nutan Mati) area under the Kuklung forest division.
According to reports, the elephant came in contact with a live wire illegally laid by two locals — Sambaru Basumatary and Mangra Basumatary — to protect their betel nut plantation. The animal died instantly upon touching the electrified fence.
Forest officials and local police arrived at the site soon after receiving information and have launched an investigation into the incident.
Authorities said wild elephants often venture out of Manas National Park at night in search of food, frequently entering nearby villages and agricultural lands, leading to repeated instances of human-elephant conflict.
Local residents have urged the government to install regulated electric barriers and adopt safer conflict-mitigation measures, ensuring protection for both humans and elephants in the vulnerable region.
