An elephant carcass was discovered in a deteriorating state in the forest area of Kachankawal-7, in the Pathibhara Community Forest, Jhapa on Wednesday evening. Authorities reported that the carcass was in an advanced stage of decomposition.

According to the police, some elephants were observed surrounding the area, making it difficult for officials to access the scene.

Details regarding the elephant’s age, sex, and the cause of death remain unclear. At present, authorities are unable to confirm whether the elephant was an adult or a juvenile, or whether it was male or female.

A team from the Division Forest Office of Jhapa, along with local police, is currently investigating the incident.

Further details regarding the cause of death and other specifics will be revealed once the investigation is complete, the police said.

Conservationist Shankar Luitel speculated that the elephant may have died around a month ago, citing the state of decomposition. “Given the condition of the body, it is likely that the elephant died or was killed around a month ago,” he said.