A 22 year old elephant was killed unfortunately after being electrocuted by an electric fence which was installed illegally.
Coimbatore: An elephant was found dead near the electric fence built byDurai in a land which is located near the Kulatheri area near Semmedu forest area.
Police and Forest department officials who arrived at the scene found that Durai who was illegally stealing electricity from a post nearby connected it to the fence which electrocuted the 22 year old elephant.
Police officials have filed a case against Durai and the land owner Ravi who is now under hiding. The body of the elephant has now been sent to Sadivayal elephant camp for autopsy.
People from the locality gathered around the elephant and gave their last respects to the elephant with tear filled eyes. The localsater said that no elephant harmed the people previously and that nobody from the area had previously harmed any elephant and that they consider this shocking incident as a curse.
When asked about this incident to District forest official Venkatesh, "An elephant was recently killed near Sirumugai after coming over an electric fence which was built to keep away wild pigs and now in this incident near Semmedu, it was found that illegal electric lines were placed around the paddy field by Durai and Ravi to kill animals which enters the field."
District forest officer Venkatesh said that the electricity board officials are informed about this incident and both the accusts Ravi and Durai are now missing. He also added that they will be but charged with offences of killing a wild animal when found.
District forest officer Venkatesh requested the local people to call forest authorities if they spot an elephant rather than taking actions on their own. He said that once informed the forest officials will remove the elephant from a particular area and will send the elephant back to the forest area.
He also warned that illegal electric fences should not be placed on the fields and also said that if found the owners will be charged with serious actions.