Calf Elephant Dies After Drowning in Pond; Forest Department on Alert, Investigation Underway

Raipur, Nov 2025 : A tragic incident occurred early Monday morning in Gaurmudi village of Tamnar Forest Range, where a one-year-old elephant calf drowned in a community pond. As soon as the information was received, the beat officer from Saraipali and the forest department team reached the spot promptly and conducted a preliminary investigation, confirming the incident.

The Tamnar Range Forest Officer stated that the deceased calf was estimated to be about one year old. The pond is located nearly 2 kilometers from the forest area. According to the initial investigation, the calf likely slipped into the water between 3 and 4 a.m., leading to its death.

At the time of the incident, a large herd of about 34 elephants was present nearby. The forest department’s field staff had been monitoring the herd’s movements throughout the night and continuously sharing updates with senior officials. Upon receiving the alert, all officers and staff immediately reached the site.

A post-mortem examination of the calf was carried out, and after completing all necessary legal and administrative procedures, the carcass was buried. Calling the incident unfortunate, the Range Officer said that the department is maintaining strict vigilance over the herd’s movements to prevent such incidents in the future.