COIMBATORE: A 43-year-old man was arrested by forest officials after country-made explosives planted by him to hunt wild boars killed a calf elephant in the Kadambur forest range of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) in Erode.

A team of frontline staff, who were on a routine patrol on 10 January, discovered the carcass of an elephant calf at the Kuthiyalathur forest area. Upon receiving the information, Kadambur Forest Range Officer Sivasankaran and Assistant Veterinary Surgeon Sadasivam rushed to the spot. They examined the elephant calf, which was approximately one and a half years old.

A post-mortem revealed that the animal died after biting a country-made explosive (locally known as avuttukai). The carcass was then left at the site to serve as fodder for other wild animals in accordance with the protocol.

After further inquiries, the forest department officials nabbed the accused, identified as Kalimuthu (43), a labourer from the Thondur area near Kadambur on Monday. Inquiries revealed that he kept the country-made explosive to hunt wild animals, particularly wild boars.

However, the elephant calf reportedly bit the explosive and died on the spot. A case has been registered, and Kalimuthu was arrested in connection with the incident. Also, a special team has been formed to trace another suspect believed to be involved in the crime.