A pregnant elephant died after a local allegedly fed her a pineapple stuffed with crackers, in Kerala's Malappuram.
The incident took place on May 27 while the elephant was standing in water and forest officials said that it died standing in river Velliyar after it suffered an injury in its lower jaw.
"First, we observed this mal on May 23 when we were informed by locals that an elephant has been roaming around in the private area of the forest. When one of our staff members went to saw the elephant, it was observed that the wound in the lower jaw area was exposed. Later, for at least 24 hours the mal was trying to look for water and on May 24 we received information that the mal has come into river Velliyar," said Wildlife Officer, Silent Valley National Park.
"Even then the mal did not take any solid matter and only took water. It was very weak so we called a vet, he was of the opinion that it may not be possible to revive back but will see what options are available. Later we were told to observe the mal's behaviour," he added.
The Wildlife Officer said they later planned to take the elephant out of the river but by then she had collapsed.
"Today we thought of taking the mal to a safe spot to examine. Anyway, we had very little hope of reviving the mal because it has not been eating for many days. So, before we could take the mal out of the stream, it had collapsed and we hope it was a peaceful death," he said.
The officer informed that two doctors are here at the spot to carry out the post-mortem and after that, the carcass will be burnt.
"The cause for the death is yet to be discovered and further investigation is underway," he added.
The elephant was seen standing in the river with her mouth and trunk in the water, for some relief from the pain.
( With inputs from ANI )