Elephant Death: Septic Shock or Sabotage?

A wild elephant discovered deceased in Malayattoor succumbed to septic shock, stemming from septicemia caused by injuries, as confirmed by its postmortem report. Forest officials indicated that the injuries may have resulted from mild explosives or infighting, and an investigation has commenced.

Environmental activists have voiced strong criticism, alleging that the Kerala forest department's lack of stringent action against those harming wild animals contributes to a culture of impunity. They point to recurring suspicious deaths of wild elephants as evidence of the department's ongoing failures.

This particular elephant had recently been tranquilized and fitted with a radio collar by forest officials on Thursday, after intruding into human habitation. The department applied medicine to its injuries before releasing it back into the forest. Activists have raised concerns regarding the tranquilization process, citing multiple darting instances and the deployment of private squads, and have requested an inquiry into these measures.