A wild elephant was electrocuted in a forest at 14 Mer, Byrnihat in Ri Bhoi district when it came into contact with a high-voltage electric line that was hanging dangerously low.
Officials from the Wildlife Department, led by Range Forest Officer (RFO) Leening Wahlang, inspected the area and found the elephant dead in the forest.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the elephant may have come into contact with a powerful electric wire, which hangs just about seven feet above the ground.
The presence of such a high-voltage wire poses a significant danger not only to wildlife but also to residents who frequent the forest for daily needs.
The Wildlife Department has initiated an inquiry and is awaiting further instructions on whether the elephant will be cremated or buried.
Wahlang has appealed to the concerned authorities to take immediate action to ensure that electric wires are well installed to prevent future harm to both animals and humans.
