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Inquiry Launched After Elephant Electrocutions in Karnataka Forest
3 Nov
Summary
- Two wild elephants found electrocuted in Belagavi district
- Forest Minister orders inquiry into incident within 5 days
- Preliminary evidence suggests basic protocols were not followed
On November 3, 2025, the Karnataka Forest Minister, Eshwar Khandre, has ordered an inquiry into the recent deaths of two wild elephants in the Belagavi district. The elephants were found electrocuted in the Nagargali forest range in Khanapur taluk on Monday.
The Minister has instructed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife and Chief Wildlife Warden), Prabash Chandra Ray, to conduct the inquiry and submit a report within five days. Forest Department sources indicate that the Chief Conservator of Forests, Manjunath R. Chavan, is likely to lead the investigation.
According to preliminary information, some basic protocols, such as following the standard procedure during wildlife sightings, were not adhered to. The Standard Operating Procedure for such situations requires HESCOM (Electricity Supply Company) officers to be requested to switch off the main power supply in areas where wild animals are spotted, to prevent casualties. However, it has been found that some farmers in the area had bypassed the HESCOM lines and connected their solar power systems directly, which is against the rules.
Additionally, it has come to the notice of senior officers that the jurisdictional officers were not present in the Nagargali range during the time of the incident and reached Khanapur only after the news broke. The departmental inquiry will also examine if there was any dereliction of duty.
The bodies of the elephants have been sent for post-mortem, and they will be buried after the procedure is completed.
