Assam: Male elephant found dead in Margherita, locals blame electrification and forest negligence

An adult male elephant was discovered dead early this morning in a paddy field at Borkuruka revenue village under the Margherita West Range Forest of Digboi Forest Division.  

According to local residents, the elephant likely died due to electrocution, allegedly set up by vested interests to prevent elephants from raiding crops. Villagers shared that elephants frequently visit the area in search of food, particularly paddy fields.  

Expressing their frustration, villagers accused forest guards stationed at a nearby camp of negligence. "They often consume hooch and fail to respond when called for assistance," alleged a local resident.  

The Margherita West Range Forest team has arrived at the site, and an investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the elephant’s death.  

The incident has highlighted the ongoing human-wildlife conflict exacerbated by the degradation of the Upper Dehing Forest Reserve, a part of the Digboi Forest Division. Once rich in biodiversity, the reserve has suffered due to rampant illegal logging, forcing elephants to venture into human settlements in search of food and shelter.

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