Elephant found dead near Assam-Karbi Anglong border, bullet marks raise poaching suspicion

A wild elephant was found dead near Pulibagan along the Nagaon-Karbi Anglong border, with apparent bullet marks on its head and abdomen, raising suspicion that the animal may have been shot.

Local residents spotted the carcass near Pulibagan, under the Parkup Range of the Karbi Anglong Forest Division, and informed the Forest Department.

The elephant was found with what appeared to be gunshot wounds on its head and stomach. The circumstances surrounding its death are yet to be established.

While some locals suspect the involvement of poachers, others believe the elephant may have been shot by farmers cultivating crops in the nearby hills.

Residents, however, suspect that the elephant could have been killed for its tusks and meat.

Forest officials are expected to investigate the incident and determine the exact cause of death, including whether the animal was killed by poachers or in a conflict with local farmers.