Elephant found shot dead near India–Bhutan border, poaching suspected in Raimona National Park Zone

A fresh case of wildlife crime has sent shockwaves through Assam’s conservation circles after the carcass of a wild elephant bearing bullet injuries was recovered from the Karaibari forest area under the Runikhata Range in Chirang district, close to the India–Bhutan international border. The incident has once again raised serious concerns over poaching and the effectiveness of forest protection measures in the ecologically sensitive region.

According to preliminary findings, the elephant was allegedly shot dead by poachers, who later used a mechanised saw to sever and remove its tusks, indicating the involvement of an organised and well-equipped poaching network. Forest officials suspect that the killing and subsequent removal of the tusks occurred between January 20 and January 23.

Adding to the gravity of the case, allegations have surfaced that the Forest Department attempted to keep the incident under wraps and delayed sharing information with the media, triggering questions about transparency and accountability in wildlife crime reporting.

The incident has also revived memories of earlier controversies in the area. Since the forests under the Runikhata Range were brought under the newly notified Raimona National Park, multiple allegations have emerged in the past regarding the poisoning and killing of wild elephants, sparking widespread criticism from wildlife activists and conservationists.

With the recovery of yet another elephant carcass, calls are growing louder for an independent probe, stronger anti-poaching measures, and heightened surveillance along the India–Bhutan border to curb wildlife crimes in one of Assam’s most vulnerable forest corridors.