Karikkottakary, Kannur: A three-year-old wild elephant calf died in Karikkottakary, Kannur, after sustaining serious injuries from a suspected cracker explosion.

The blast severely damaged its tongue, throat, and jaw, making it unable to eat or drink, according to the Forest Department’s preliminary report. The injuries were suspected to be five days old, and an infection with worms had worsened its condition. Following an autopsy, the elephant was buried at Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Forest department launches investigation

The Forest Department has launched a full-scale investigation, registering a case in the Kottiyoor Range. Authorities suspect the elephant wandered into a residential area or Aralam Farm and encountered explosives intended for illegal hunting.

As part of the investigation, the Forest Department and police bomb squad conducted inspections in multiple blocks of Aralam Farm to trace any hidden explosives. Officials believe the elephant crossed the Kakuva River from the forest and reached Vattaparam, a residential area in Aralam Panchayat, where it may have encountered the cracker.

Earlier, joint police-forest inspections were conducted based on intelligence reports of illegal wildlife hunting using explosives in the region.

Following directives from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Chief Conservator of Forests (Northern Circle) K S Deepa has appointed an 11-member special investigation team, with a report expected within two months.

Post-mortem & medical examination

The post-mortem was conducted by Dr B Ilyas Rawathar (Veterinary Officer, Northern Circle), Dr Sharanya (Charal Veterinary Hospital), and Dr Rejin Shankar (Veterinary Surgeon, Aadakathodu). Samples of the elephant’s internal organs have been sent for further expert analysis.

Given the increasing elephant activity in residential areas, the Kannur District Collector imposed prohibitory orders in three wards of Ayyankunnu Grama Panchayat from 10 am on March 5 to 6 pm on March 6. The measure aimed to prevent public gatherings and ensure safety, with violators facing action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The Aralam region has remained on high alert since a fatal elephant attack on an elderly couple at Aralam Farms on February 23.

The death of the young elephant has sparked fresh concerns over human-wildlife conflict, with conservationists urging stricter enforcement against illegal poaching and improved measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The Forest Department has assured swift action against those responsible.