Sun Nov 03 05:09:15 UTC 2024: ## Mysterious Elephant Deaths in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Spark Investigation
**Bhopal, November 3, 2024:** The deaths of 10 elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) in Madhya Pradesh have sent shockwaves across the country, with authorities scrambling to determine the cause of the mass fatality. A high-level team, dispatched by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, has concluded its investigation of the site and is currently preparing a report.
The team, led by Forest Minister Pradeep Ahirwar, Additional Chief Secretary Ashok Baranwal, and Head of Forest Force Aseem Shrivastava, visited the reserve on Saturday, November 2nd. They have ruled out any “conspiracy theory” regarding the deaths.
The elephants were found dead over a period of three days, beginning on October 29th. Wildlife expert Ajay Dubey stated that this is an unprecedented event, with never before such a large number of elephants dying within a 72-hour period in India. Initial autopsies pointed to toxicity, with large amounts of kodo millets found in the stomachs of the deceased animals.
However, the CM expressed skepticism over the preliminary report, stating that he had never heard of elephants dying after consuming kodo millets. He has ordered a thorough scientific investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has also formed a team to investigate the elephant deaths, while the Madhya Pradesh government has created a separate committee to look into the incident.
Meanwhile, three elephants believed to be from the same herd that suffered the mass deaths attacked and killed two people near the BTR on Saturday. The elephants have not been captured.
The authorities are expected to release a detailed report on the elephant deaths within the next three to four days.
First Piper 