GUWAHATI: A wild elephant was brutally killed by poachers in broad daylight at Dikchak Hill under the Topatoli Range Forest Office on Wednesday morning.
According to forest officials, the incident took place around 9 am. The elephant’s carcass was later recovered with two bullet injuries on the head.
Officials suspect the involvement of poachers from neighbouring Meghalaya. In a shocking act of cruelty, the animal’s trunk was severed after the killing.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the elephant may have been targeted for its meat, which is reportedly sold illegally in markets of Meghalaya at prices ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 per kilogram.
Forest authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and efforts are underway to identify those involved in the poaching.