Dead wild elephant buried after autopsy in Rangamati

A wild elephant found dead in Langadu upazila of Rangamati has been buried following an autopsy conducted under the supervision of the Forest Department yesterday evening (27 April).

Confirming the matter, Md Shariful Islam, range officer of the Pablakhali Range under the Chattogram North Forest Division, said the autopsy was carried out to determine the exact cause of the elephant's death.

"Necessary samples have been collected and sent to Dhaka for laboratory testing. The actual cause will be known once the report is received, and further action will be taken accordingly," he said.

Dr Debnath Chakma, veterinary surgeon of Rangamati, said laboratory test results are essential to determine the actual cause of death. "Nothing can be confirmed until the report is received," he added.

Earlier, on Saturday morning (25 April), members of the Elephant Response Team discovered the elephant's carcass in the Bhasanyadam area of Langadu upazila in Rangamati.

Forest officials later visited the scene after being informed.

Locals said a female elephant, believed to be the dead elephant's companion, stayed beside the carcass for a long time after its death. A crowd of onlookers also gathered in the area during that time.

According to locals, due to inadequate security at the site, miscreants took advantage of the situation and cut off parts of the elephant's trunk and legs.

Animal rights activists have expressed concern over the incident. Architect Rakibul Haque, founder of People for Animal Welfare Foundation, condemned the incident, saying, "Cutting off body parts of a dead elephant is highly deplorable. Although there are laws to protect wildlife, their proper enforcement is lacking."

The Forest Department said the elephant was buried following proper procedures after the autopsy, and surveillance in the area has been strengthened. Authorities also confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify those involved.