Elephant found dead in West Bengal

Kolkata, Nov 6 : A full-grown elephant was found dead near a river in West Bengal's Purulia district Friday morning, a forest department official said.

"The tusker was found dead this (Friday) morning by the riverside at Jhalda forest region in the district. We have decided to send the elephant for post mortem," the official said.

Asked if the death was due to poaching, the official said: "We can't say anything now. This thing we can only confirm after a thorough examination."

However, he disclosed that the carcass bore an injury mark.

The dead elephant was first spotted by a group of local residents who informed forest officials.