Electric fence kills tusker

Deputy Director of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) P.G. Arunlal told DT Next that the farmer had electrified the fence by directly connecting the domestic electricity connection to his house to the metal fence to protect his farm’s produce from wild animals. On Thursday morning, the villagers found a tusker dead and informed forest department personnel. 

Mr. Arunlal said that the elephant got entangled in the electrified fence and suffered injuries on its neck and front legs. During inquiry Thangavel confessed to the crime, following which he was booked under sections of the Wildlife Protection Act. He was arrested, produced before a court and lodged in jail under judicial custody. 

A post mortem was conducted on the carcass in the presence of forest department officials and NGO representatives. It’s vital organs were sent for laboratory analysis. The tusks of the jumbo were removed and taken to the range office, after which its remains were safely disposed. This is the fourth jumbo that has died in the district over the last three weeks. 

Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve I. Anwardeen said that the forest department has already written to the top TANGEDCO officials on regulating electricity connections to farmers to prevent electrocution of jumbos in agricultural lands close to the forest.