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Two Talakona Elephants Killed by Illegal Power Snares Near Tirupati as Probe Begins

Forest officials have opened a DFO-led inquiry under national SOPs to determine who rigged aluminium wires to a 33/11 kV line around nearby farms.

Overview

  • The sub-adult male and female, about 11–12 years old, were found roughly 450 metres outside the Talakona Reserve Forest boundary near Erravaripalem on March 9.
  • Preliminary examination indicates electrocution from aluminium wires linked to a 33/11 kV transmission line that had been laid around agricultural fields.
  • Officials say the pair left the forest via the Old Saibulapalle route overnight and died instantly upon contacting the electrified setup.
  • A criminal case has been registered, post-mortems were completed per guidelines, and an investigative committee chaired by DFO V. Saibaba has been formed.
  • Local reports name adjacent landowners in mango and groundnut fields, though responsibility has not been officially determined.