Malappuram, Kerala, Feb 27: A wild tusker, over 40 years old and locally known as Kasera Komban (Chair Tusker), was found dead on Thursday morning in an unused septic tank near the Karulai forest area in Malappuram district.
The elephant, well-known in the region for its distinctive large tusks resembling the arms of a chair, was often spotted roaming in the area but had never shown signs of aggression, according to a senior forest official.
Authorities were alerted around 4:30 AM when locals discovered the elephant inside the tank. The septic tank, initially constructed for labourers working at a nearby brick manufacturing unit, was about two meters deep and had been covered with a polythene sheet as it was no longer in use.
However, officials suspect that the tusker’s death may not have been caused by a fall into the tank. The elephant was reportedly aged and suffering from multiple health issues. "The exact cause of death can only be determined after a post-mortem examination," the official stated.
The incident has saddened local wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, as Kasera Komban was a familiar presence in the region. The forest department is expected to conduct further investigations based on the post-mortem findings.
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