Elephant calf found dead in Raigarh

Raipur: An elephant calf was found dead in a forest area of Chhattisgarh's Raigarh on Thursday morning, prompting an investigation by the forest department into the cause of death.The carcass was spotted by members of the 'hathi mitra dal' during routine elephant tracking in the Chilkaguda-Andodera area of Lailunga range. As the exact cause of death could not be established during the initial examination, samples have been sent to a laboratory in Bareilly for further analysis.Forest officials said a herd of 13 elephants, including four to five calves, has been moving through the Lailunga range and was under monitoring. The dead calf is believed to have been the youngest in the group and was estimated to be less than a month old.Officials said the body was found in compartment No. 176 RF, after which senior forest officers were alerted.A team led by the sub-divisional officer and ranger reached the spot and carried out a preliminary inspection. No visible injury marks were found on the calf's body, officials said. After preparing the inquest report.As the exact cause of death could not be established during the initial examination, samples have been sent to a laboratory in Bareilly for further analysis.Forest officials said a herd of 13 elephants, including four to five calves, has been moving through the Lailunga range and was under monitoring. The dead calf is believed to have been the youngest in the group and was estimated to be less than a month old.Lailunga sub-division SDO M L Sidar said the matter was being examined and an infection could not be ruled out at this stage. He said the exact cause would be known only after laboratory reports are received.