Tragic Elephant Deaths Spur Probe at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

The death toll of elephants at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve rises to seven, with three more casualties reported. An investigation is underway to determine the cause, suspected to be Kodo millet consumption. Madhya Pradesh's Forest Minister has ordered a Special Investigation Team to find and punish the culprits.

In a tragic development at the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, the death toll of elephants has climbed to seven. A forest official confirmed that three more elephants succumbed, while the condition of three others is precarious.

The devastating losses prompted Forest Minister Ramniwas Rawat to initiate an inquiry by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). He emphasized the need for stringent action against the perpetrators involved in these deaths.

Preliminary reports suggest the elephants likely perished after consuming Kodo millet, though the exact cause awaits autopsy results. The recent fatalities were discovered during a patrol in the park's Khitoli range.

(With inputs from agencies.)