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Elephant Calf Dies From Explosive Bait in India
13 Jan
Summary
- A young elephant died after eating an explosive bait meant for wild boars.
- The incident occurred in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve forest area.
- One suspect was arrested, while another remains at large for the crime.

A distressing incident has led to the death of a young elephant calf within the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. The one-and-a-half-year-old female calf succumbed after consuming a country-made explosive, allegedly set as bait for wild boars. Forest staff discovered the calf's carcass on January 10, 2026, during a routine patrol in the Boothikadu range.
The postmortem examination, conducted under the Tamil Nadu Elephant Death Audit Framework, confirmed that the calf died from injuries sustained by the explosive bait. Vital organ samples were collected for further laboratory analysis. Authorities have formed a special investigation team to identify those responsible for this illegal act.
As a result of the investigation, one suspect has been apprehended and a wildlife offense case has been registered. Legal proceedings are underway, and efforts are being made to arrest the absconding second suspect. The Kadambur police have also been alerted due to the involvement of explosive substances.




