Autopsy confirms jumbos died of electric shock

MADURAI: Two female elephants were electrocuted in Cumbum East
Range of Meghamalai forest, Theni district, a location that has already
seen an alarming number of pachyderms lose life after coming into
contact with high-tension wire over the past five months.

Following reports of elephant carcasses being spotted in the forest, a
team of officials reached the area and conducted post-mortem confirming
that the jumbos died of electric shock. They said the deaths are mostly
happening after the animals come into contact with loosely hanging
electric line that carries power to Kayathar from Lower Camp.

Although the officials have taken up the issue with the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, the electricity officials are yet to respond. The death of two jumbos came to light on Monday when foresters were on their routine beat patrol.

A team visited the spot on Tuesday and conducted the post-mortem.

The group comprised of Meghamalai Wildlife Warden Kalanithi, Cumbum forest range officer D Dinesh, government veterinary doctor Selvam and representatives from two non-governmental organisations reached the spot after four-hour trekking. Dinesh said that one elephant was aged between 7 and 9 years while the other was between 10 and 12 years. They could have come
into contact with the wire while climbing mound. The incident took place between 47th and 48th electric towers.

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