Five elephants found dead in West Bengal

COOCH BEHAR (WB): Five elephants, believed to have been struck by lightning, were found dead at the Buxa Tiger Reserve in north Bengal, forest officials said on Friday.

The carcasses of two adults, a sub-adult and two calves were found on the banks of Raidak river at Newland forest area in the reserve on Thursday, the deputy field director of the sanctuary said.

It is believed the elephants were struck by lightning. The cause of their death would be ascertained after an autopsy, he said.

Forest Minister Ananta Roy set up a committee and ordered it to probe the deaths.

Local villagers, however, alleged the elephants might have been poisoned as they had entered a nearby habitation on Thursday night.

This is the first time that so many elephants have been found dead in the area.