Tamil Nadu: A two-year-old female elephant calf has died after swallowing a country-made explosive device in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu, prompting the arrest of a local farmer, forest officials confirmed.

Forest personnel on patrol in the Guthiyalathur reserve forest recently discovered the elephant calf lying dead and immediately alerted the forest veterinary team. Officials reported severe bleeding injuries in the calf’s trunk and mouth, indicating trauma.

Following a post-mortem examination, the forest veterinarian confirmed that the elephant died after ingesting an explosive device, believed to have been planted to drive elephants away from agricultural fields. Authorities suspect the crude bomb was used either by poachers or farmers to prevent wildlife movement.

After an investigation, officials arrested 43-year-old farmer Kalimuthu, who is accused of placing the explosive in the forest area. The elephant’s carcass has been buried at the site in accordance with the forest department protocols.

The incident has raised serious concerns about human-wildlife conflict, illegal wildlife deterrents and the growing threat to elephant safety and wildlife conservation in protected forest zones.

PTI