The carcass of an Asian elephant that died due to electrocution on Monday near Talakona South Beat, Bhakarapeta Range, Erravaripalem village in Tirupati district. | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
Two sub-adult Asian elephants reportedly died due to electrocution near Talakona South Beat, Bhakarapeta Range, Erravaripalem village in Tirupati district on Monday morning (March 9, 2026). According to officials, a male and female elephant aged 11-12 years were found dead around 450 meters from the forest border.
Speaking to The Hindu, District Forest Officer (DFO) V. Saibaba said, “According to a preliminary investigation, the elephants died due to electrocution caused by illegal electric traps laid around agricultural fields. These traps consisted of aluminum wires connected to a 33/11 kV transmission line, meant for hunting wild animals.”
The deceased elephants were from the Talakona reserve forest and occasionally ventured into the surrounding agricultural areas. However, during the past three months, their movement has been largely confined to the inner areas of the Reserve Forest. While moving from the forest through Old Saibulapalle Rastha on Sunday night, they encountered traps and died on the spot, he said.
The farmland where the incident took place belongs to Shaik Akthar and Shaik Shameer, who own mango and groundnut fields in Erravaripalem. The case was registered in the Bhakarapeta range. A committee chaired by the DFO has been set up for further investigation. The necropsy of the carcasses was performed in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.
Published – March 9, 2026 7:28 PM IST
