NEW DELHI: Union environment ministry has initiated an independent inquiry into the death of 10 jumbos in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, and said preventive measures are being taken by officials to avoid such incidents in the future. Referring to preliminary information shared by state govt, the ministry Saturday said the death may be because of poisoning, but the final cause will only be ascertained after a thorough inquiry, detailed autopsy reports, results of histopathological & toxicological reports and other corroborative evidences.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau of the ministry formed a team to probe the death of ten elephants,” said an official, noting the central inquiry would be in addition to the state-level probe, which is being done by a five-member committee. “The matter is also being inquired into by the head of State Tiger Strike Force. STSF has combed the forests and the adjoining villages and is conducting an in-depth enquiry about the incident,” the ministry said. It added that monitoring of other elephant herds in and around Bandhavgarh reserve has, meanwhile, been enhanced.