Bandhavgarh Elephant Death Toll Rises to 7, MP Govt Forms Probe Panel

Umaria (MP): Mhya Presh government has formed a five-member panel to probe unexplained death of seven elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, a forest official said on Wednesday. Three more tuskers are in serious condition, he said.

Following directives of MP’s Forest Minister Ramniwas Rawat, authorities have formed committee to investigate death of elephants, official said.

reserve’s deputy director Prakash Kumar Verma said prime facie, elephants seemed to have died after consuming Kodo millet, but exact cause will be known after autopsies.

Four wild elephants were found de in tiger reserve on Tuesday while four ors, part of same herd of 13 tuskers, were found ill during routine patrolling, officials earlier said.

Verma on Wednesday said seven elephants have died so far in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR). y were part of herd of 13 pachyderms, he said.

condition of three or jumbos is serious and y are being treated, while BTR teams are monitoring movement of remaining elephants that were part of herd, he said.

On Tuesday, Verma informed that four elephants were found de in Salkhania and Bakeli areas under Khitoli range of reserve, a popular tourist attraction, during routine patrolling by forest guards.

In a post on X late Tuesday night, Forest Minister Rawat said untimely death of precious elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was sdening and heart-breaking.

In view of seriousness of issue, officials have been directed to immediately constitute an SIT and take strict action against culprits, Rawat said.

forest department on Wednesday issued an order to constitute a five-member probe panel heed by ditional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) L Krishnamoorthy.

committee has been directed to submit within ten days its report on “unusual death” of elephants in BTR.

Meanwhile, Congress general secretary in-charge communications and former environment minister Jairam Ramesh said, “ news from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve that seven elephants have died while two or three more are critical, is absolutely shocking.

“This wipes out some 10 per cent of elephant population in reserve at one go. A full inquiry must take place immediately and preventive measures must be instituted," former environment minister said on X, tagging Environment Minister Bhupender Yav.

With PTI Inputs