Another Elephant In Kerala Found Dead In April Had Died Of Biting Explosive, 3 Poachers Held

The shocking death of a pregnant wild elephant in Kerala's Palakkad earlier this month after it accidentally bit an explosive-laden coconut had brought to limelight an age-old practice of farmers and poachers - using booby-trapped fruits to chase away or kill wild animals.

After the shocking incident in Palakkad came to light, the Kerala Forest Department probed the death of another wild elephant that was found dead under similar circumstances in April.

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The wild elephant was found dead on April 11, in Karavoor under Kollam District. The jumbo was found with a big wound in its mouth, which initially was believed to have been caused by broken tree trunks or bamboos while feeding.

The elephant was first spotted by locals a couple of days ago at a weak condition and alerted the Forest Officials. Despite their attempts to recuse and treat the animal, it died on April 11.

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Like in the case of the elephant in Palakkad, this jumbo too died of starvation as is could not eat or drink for days due to the injury in its mouth. Later a postmortem revealed that the injury was caused by explosives and not eating tree trunk or bamboos.

Following an investigation, three men who have a history of poaching have been arrested. The accused have been identified as Renjith, Animon and Sharath, all natives of Karavoor. 2-3 more members of the poaching gang are on the run.

Similar to what happened in Palakkad, the poachers were trying to kill wild boars or sambar deers, but the elephant had accidentally taken the bait, which was a pineapple.

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Confirming the development, forest officials said they have recovered explosive-laden fruits, country-made guns and remains of animals from the poaching gang.

The arrested men have said that the elephant was not their target and it accidentally fell into the trap laid for wild boars and deer. "Their target was wild boar and deer and they filled a pineapple with explosives When the elephant, attracted by its smell, chomped on it, it exploded. The wounded elephant could not eat for several days and died in the fringe areas of the forests in Pathanapuram," a Forest Official said.

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Meanwhile, forest officials in Palakkad district said the search is still on to nab the two prime accused in connection with the death of the pregnant elephant. One person was arrested in connection with the case on June 5. A Special Investigation Team constituted by the state government is probing the death.