Guwahati: A wild elephant was found dead with two bullet marks on its head at Silchang near Jagiroad in Assam’s Morigaon district on Friday, prompting suspicions that it may have been shot by poachers.
According to local residents, the elephant had strayed from the Khulahat forest area in search of food and reached a paddy field at Kolbari in the Silchang area, situated along the forest fringe, late at night.
Residents said a herd had entered the paddy field during the night. A man assigned to alert villagers about elephant movements spotted the animals and used firecrackers to drive them away. However, one elephant remained behind in the field before collapsing.
Villagers suspect hunters from neighbouring Meghalaya, who reportedly venture into the area near the Karbi Anglong border, may have shot the animal.
A villager also suggested the elephant could have sustained the injury elsewhere before reaching the field and dying.
Following the discovery, residents questioned the man tasked with guarding the paddy field, who denied causing any harm to the animal.
Forest department personnel and a veterinary team have arrived at the spot and initiated a detailed investigation. A post-mortem examination is underway.