Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Wild Elephant Found Dead Near Allegedly Energised Fence
A large wild elephant was found dead near a tea plantation in Nodhabari.
Forest workers think it may have touched a wire fence that had electricity running through it.
The fence was reportedly put up around a nearby piece of land without permission.
Some local people said the fence was electrified overnight and later removed.
Forest officials found burn marks on the elephant’s trunk.
They think the elephant may have wandered there looking for food.
A post-mortem examination is needed to confirm how it died.
If it confirms electrocution, officials say they will complain to the police about the landowner.
A full-grown wild elephant was found dead Friday morning at Nodhabari in Jalpaiguri district.
The carcass was recovered near a tea plantation in the Belakoba forest range.
Forest officials suspect an illegally installed electrified fence may have caused the elephant’s death.
Burn marks were observed on part of the elephant’s trunk, and officials are awaiting post-mortem findings.
If electrocution is confirmed, the forest department said it would file a police complaint against the landowner.
- Who
- A full-grown wild elephant; forest officials are investigating its death.
- What
- The elephant was found dead, with suspected electrocution linked to an illegally installed energized fence.
- When
- Friday morning; the article does not give a date.
- Where
- Nodhabari, Rajganj block, Jalpaiguri district, near a tea plantation in the Belakoba forest range.
- Why
- Forest officials suspect the elephant’s trunk became caught in an electrically charged wire while it strayed into the area, apparently searching for food.
Forest Department's Suspicion
Confirmation Still Pending
Cause of death
Forest Department's Suspicion
Forest officials suspect an illegally installed fence was electrified and caused the elephant’s death; burn marks on its trunk support that suspicion.
Confirmation Still Pending
The cause has not been confirmed. Officials are awaiting post-mortem results before deciding whether to file a police complaint.
- Animal
- A full-grown wild elephant
- Discovery
- Friday morning
- Location
- Nodhabari, Rajganj block, Jalpaiguri district
- Forest division
- Baikunthapur forest division
- Suspected cause
- Electrocution from an allegedly illegal energized fence
- Evidence noted
- Burn marks on part of the elephant’s trunk
- Next step
- Post-mortem results are pending; a police complaint may follow if electrocution is confirmed