An elephant calf gets electrocuted on Indo-Nepal border

Panitanki, June 19 : Environmentalists and forest authorities in West Bengal voiced concern after an elephant calf got electrocuted while crossing the Indo-Nepal border from Darjeeling.

Locals saw the carcass of elephant calf at Panitanki area of Indo-Nepal border in West Bengal and informed the forest authorities about it.

The incident took place morning when a herd of 30 elephants were crossing the border at the Naxalbari block of Darjeeling district.

Authorities said the calf died on coming into contact with the energized fence when the herd had to retreat following firing from Nepal.

"Apparently, the death was due to electrocution because there are black marks on the elephant's body," said Sumita Ghatak, the divisional forest officer, wildlife division, Darjeeling.

Environmentalist Animesh Bone said India should take up the issue with Nepal.

"The problem cannot be solved by locals as it is an international issues. There is involvement of another country. Thus, Indian Government should intervene in the issue and should immediately talk to forest department of Nepal," said Animesh.

Forest authorities claim that other elephants of the herd that ran amok during the firing also got injured.

Forest department officials in Darjeeling have deployed a squad comprising wildlife division officials and two trained elephants for tracking the injured elephants.

ANI