Pregnant tusker accidentally consumed cracker-laced fruit claims Environment Ministry

The environment ministry of Kerala has claimed that the pregnant elephant who died after consuming cracker filled crackers may have accidentally eaten a cracker-stuffed fruit. After the autopsy it was reported that the dead elephant fed on coconut and the injuries she suffered were at least two weeks old. Further, the ministry stated that its concerned departments and the Kerala government are handling the matter in an “unbiased” manner to bring to accused to justice with exemplary legal actions and punishment that will act as a deterrent to the commission of such crimes in the future.

The forest officials have managed to nab a  38-year-old rubber tapper, identified as Wilson and efforts are underway to nab two other accused. The incident triggered a massive nationwide outrage demanding justice for the deceased tusker. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and the state governor assured strict action against the culprits. The Centre also asked the state government to submit a report on the matter. Check out the tweets about the latest developments here.....

Primary investigations revealed, the elephant may have accidentally consumed in such fruit. @moefcc is in constant touch with Kerala Govt & has sent them detailed advisory for immediate arrest of culprits & stringent action against any erring official that led to elephant's death

— MoEF&CC (@moefcc) June 6, 2020