Orissa: Robust tusker shot dead

Bhubaneswar, Jan 29: A robust and prized tusker of the Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary was killed late last night by a villager when it strayed into nearby Madhapur village.

Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary Divisional Forest officer Akhaya Pattnaik said here today that the villager admitted to killing the elephant as it approached his house last night.

Mr Pattnaik said the tusker was hit by a bullet from a close range. Although there was not much bleeding but the pachyderm died on the spot.

Wildlife experts also said since the tusker was in an abnormal condition, the bullet which hit its head, aggravated the condition leading to instant death.

Mr Pattnaik said a post mortem would be conducted to ascertain the cause of death.

With the death of this elephant, the sanctuary's strength has been reduced to 13, Mr Pattnaik said.

UNI