Ukhiya, Nov 19 (V7N) – A wild elephant has been electrocuted and killed after coming into contact with an illegal electric trap set in a local village, officials and eyewitnesses reported. The incident occurred early on Tuesday morning in an open field in Khairati Para of Rajapalong Union. Local residents discovered the elephant’s lifeless body and immediately alerted authorities.

According to witnesses, the elephant had likely entered the area at night in search of food. Residents first noticed a large, immobile object in the morning, only to realize it was the dead elephant. Crowds quickly gathered, with many expressing grief and outrage over the cruel method used to protect crops, which directly caused the animal’s death.

A special team from the Forest Department arrived at the scene to investigate, examining footprints, wire remnants, and the surrounding environment. Preliminary findings suggest that someone had placed an electric fence or trap to protect crops, which the elephant accidentally touched, resulting in immediate death. Samples have been collected to confirm the exact cause, and further post-mortem analysis may be conducted if necessary. Authorities are also interviewing nearby residents to identify those responsible for setting the trap.

Conservationists and wildlife protection advocates expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing that electric traps are never an acceptable solution to human-elephant conflicts. They warned that such devices not only threaten wildlife but also pose serious risks to humans, including children. Experts noted that habitat loss, food shortages, and climate change are driving elephants into human settlements, and long-term, sustainable solutions are needed to reduce such conflicts.

Local residents said the incident has caused fear in the community and called for more active involvement from the government and relevant authorities to prevent wildlife deaths. They urged the adoption of safe and non-lethal methods for crop protection.

The Forest Department stated that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and those responsible will face legal action under wildlife conservation laws, which carry strict penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. Ukhiya Range Officer Abdul Mannan confirmed the elephant’s death but could not provide further details due to an ongoing meeting.

Wildlife experts recommended creating buffer zones, restoring elephant corridors, implementing solar-powered deterrent systems, and increasing community awareness to reduce human-elephant conflicts. Without such measures, similar tragedies are likely to continue.

The elephant’s death has cast a shadow of sorrow over the region, with residents, conservationists, and the general public demanding swift action and strict punishment for the perpetrators.

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