The elephant was found dead on June 27, two days after it was treated by officials and released into the wild
However, two days later the animal was found dead on June 27. Despite the suspicion that the elephant had got injured as a result of mild explosives, the probe noticed that there was delay in registering a case. The autopsy report indicated the cause of injury in the mouth might be due to mild explosives or infighting. As the elephant was severely injured in the mouth, it remained in the human habitation due to easy access to food.
The elephant, which was initially reported to be a female, was later identified a tuskless male elephant. Following the pressure from the residents, the elephant was tranquilized and administered with medicine before being released with a radio collar fitted. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
Kochi: An investigation into the death of a wild elephant in Malayattoor in June has laid bare a series of lapses by authorities. The inquiry, conducted by a team headed by the High Range chief conservator of forest (CCF), flagged instances of alleged manipulations, failure to treat the case as an emergency, prioritising personal convenience over official responsibilities, evasion of responsibility and inadequate efforts to establish the cause of death of the elephant, on the part of the authorities concerned. The capture, treatment and release of the elephant, following the direction of chief wildlife warden (CWW), was conducted by the Chalakkudy DFO, despite it is not being his jurisdiction, as Malayattoor DFO was on leave. The probe has reportedly flagged a serious lapse in the capture operation. The probe found that it would have been ideal on the part of Malayattoor DFO to join back on duty since the CWW has specifically entrusted him with the task of capturing the elephant. Besides, Central Circle CCF failed to get a written permission from the CWW to authorise Chalakudy DFO to carry out the operation. It found that the case was registered in Mekkapala forest station two weeks after the suspicion was raised by the Malayattoor DFO. Besides, there was no effort to identify the source of the injury. Though the probe report was submitted to the CWW last month, no inquiry has been initiated by the department against the officials in the case. Download the TOI App.