What happened to the wild elephant in Coimbatore?

A 15-year-old male wild elephant was found dead in an elephant-proof trench after being electrocuted by an illegally powered electric fence around a farm near Mettupalayam.

How did the Coimbatore elephant die?

The elephant died of electrocution after coming into contact with the illegally powered electric fence erected around a farm in Mettupalayam. Veterinarians found burn marks on the elephant's skin, confirming it had suffered an electric shock.

What is the status of the farm owner in the Coimbatore elephant death case?

The farm owner, Thirumalairaj, has been charged by the Forest Department for the elephant's electrocution. He has also been admitted to a private hospital due to unspecified ailments.

Home / Environment / Elephant Electrocuted in Illegal Fence Incident

Elephant Electrocuted in Illegal Fence Incident

29 Oct

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Summary

Wild elephant dies from electrocution on farm
Second elephant death in Coimbatore in a week
Illegal electric fence blamed for the incident

Elephant Electrocuted in Illegal Fence Incident

On October 29, 2025, a male wild elephant, estimated to be around 15 years old, was found dead in an elephant-proof trench (EPT) between a farm and the Odanthurai reserve forest in Mettupalayam, Coimbatore district. The elephant had come into contact with an illegally powered electric fence erected around the farm, leading to its electrocution.

This incident marks the second elephant death by electrocution in the Coimbatore Forest Division within a week. The farm owner, Thirumalairaj, informed the Forest Department about the dead elephant around 11:30 PM on October 28, 2025.

A team from the Mettupalayam range, led by the Forest Range Officer, rushed to the spot and found the elephant's carcass tangled in the wires of the hanging electric fence. Veterinarians who performed the post-mortem on October 29, 2025, confirmed that the elephant had suffered electric shock, with burn marks visible on its skin.