Assam: Elephants poisoned due to attacks

Guwahati, Oct 14: Human-elephant conflict has reached alarming proportions in Assam with at least four wild elephants being poisoned by the villagers in the past one week, wildlife authorities said.

“An enquiry by the chief wildlife warden is on and strict action will be taken against the culprits," Assam Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain told sources.

Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh Tuesday asked Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to probe the incidents. "Strict action should be taken against the guilty," Ramesh said in a statement.

“Preliminary investigations show that elephants were poisoned by villagers living in the Diffolu tea garden area. We are waiting for the forensic test reports before taking further action," Hussain said.

For the past two months, herd of wild elephants have wreaked havoc in several parts of Assam leading villagers to poisoned elephants.

OneIndia News