Tripura: Elephant calf died in lightning, boy drowned, 57 families shifted

Agartala: A four-year-old female wild elephant calf was tragically killed by a suspected lightning strike in Dukhipara of Teliamura in Tripura’s Khowai district on Friday.

The dead elephant's body was found in the evening in a charred state, and later, the autopsy report confirmed the reason for death.

Lightning and thunderstorms that lashed the region for the last three days reported a drowning death as torrential rains inundated low-lying areas and increased the river water across the state. The deceased has been identified as Tanmoy Debnath (16) of Mandalpara in Jirania under the West Tripura district.

A total of 106 houses were damaged due to heavy downpour, and as many as four relief camps were made operational in West Tripura and Khowai districts with 207 people from 57 families.

The meteorological forecast indicated there will be no more chances of heavy rainfall, but since the monsoon has started, downpours will continue.

The Chief Minister reviewed the preparation of the disaster management authority and flood control measures.

According to the report, a herd of elephants was seen in the Maharani area in the morning, and after a high-voltage lightning strike, the villagers heard screaming inside the forest.

Despite heavy rain, elephant volunteers on duty rushed inside and, after a daylong search, discovered the young elephant's carcass. Pranajit Saha, Range Officer of Mungiakami, said, "Our forest personnel and veterinary team reached the site immediately, following standard protocol. A post-mortem was carried out on-site," he said.

Preliminary findings from the veterinary examination indicate that the elephant died due to a lightning strike. The necessary formalities have been completed, and the carcass will be disposed of under forest department guidelines, Debnath added.