A wild elephant has been killed after coming into contact with an illegally electrified trap set around a paddy field in Ukhiya Upazila of Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred early Tuesday in the Khayrati-Harinmara Murtal area of Rajapalang Union. The landowner, identified as farmer Shamsul Alam, has gone into hiding.
According to local sources, Shamsul Alam, son of Ramzan Ali, cultivated paddy on farmland created by cutting into the hillside in the Khayrati-Harinmara area. After harvesting paddy throughout Monday, he left the crops in the field overnight. Before leaving, he illegally installed electrified wires around the field, claiming it was to protect the harvested paddy.
At some point during the night, a wild elephant searching for food came into contact with the live wires and died instantly. Early Tuesday, local residents discovered the elephant’s body and spread the news. During this time, Shamsul Alam reportedly removed the harvested paddy and covered the elephant’s body with a tarpaulin. When Forest Department officials arrived, he fled the area. Officials confirmed that the elephant had clear signs of electrocution.
Residents alleged that despite government restrictions, some employees of the Ukhiya Palli Bidyut Samiti are illegally providing electricity connections deep inside forested areas in exchange for bribes, putting wildlife at serious risk.
Local resident Sohel reported seeing the elephant’s body in the morning, with wires wrapped around it. He said that Shamsul Alam had set the electric trap to safeguard his paddy, which is strictly prohibited. He added that the suspect fled immediately after officials were alerted.
Douchhari Beat Officer Emdadul Hasan Rony stated that this was clearly a case of wildlife killing and that legal action is underway. The accused remains on the run.
Upazila Livestock Officer Syed Hossain confirmed that deep burn marks were visible on the front portion of the elephant’s body, indicating electrocution. He said the exact cause of death would be confirmed after the post-mortem examination.
Acting Ukhiya Range Officer Abdul Mannan said they were awaiting the autopsy report to determine the definitive cause of death, noting that no paddy was found at the spot. He added that it would clarify whether an electric trap or another factor caused the death. He also confirmed that charges will be filed under the Wildlife Conservation Act, as killing a wild elephant is a criminal offense.
This incident adds to a series of wildlife killings in the region, with three elephants reported killed in Ukhiya Upazila so far this year.
