Overview
- The birds were discovered near a radish field in Loni’s Pyachara village on Monday, with police and forest teams called to the site.
- A tenth carcass was joined by one peacock found in critical condition without external injuries, and officials reported no signs of poaching.
- Forest officials said phosphate had been used in a nearby field and suspect the peafowl may have ingested a toxic or indigestible substance.
- Carcasses were sent for autopsy, viscera, soil, and water samples were collected for forensic testing, and the field owner was questioned.
- Residents alleged industrial effluents in local drains and pointed to empty pesticide packets, as authorities weigh action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.