OUR CORRESPONDENT, Rangamati

The flesh from the legs and trunk of a 60-year-old Asian wild elephant has reportedly been removed a day after it was found dead in the Bhashannadam area of Langadu upazila in Rangamati.

The elephant died on Sunday, with the Forest Department saying it was sick and had long-standing injuries.

However, locals found the mutilated carcass yesterday morning.

Wildlife researchers have alleged negligence by the Forest Department, though officials said night conditions and heavy rain made guarding the carcass difficult.

Joynal, a member of the Elephant Response Team (ERT), told The Daily Star: “There was a storm last night. During this time, someone came at night and cut the elephant’s meat. The incident may have happened around 2:00 or 3:00am.”

Chittagong Hill Tracts North Forest Division Divisional Forest Officer Md Rafiquzaman Shah said the act likely took place after the animal’s companion moved away.

“Since it was inside the forest, there was no one there at night,” he said. “Our people are going with a veterinary surgeon. After the postmortem, we will identify those involved and take legal action.”

Jahangirnagar University zoology professor Dr MA Aziz called the incident “unthinkable”, adding, “The forest department should have regularly guarded the elephant’s body.”

He also said, “This incident happened due to the negligence of the local forest workers and not taking the matter seriously. As a result, a message will be sent to the people that elephant organs are very valuable, and they can be taken.”

He further criticised local behaviour towards the elephant’s companion, saying video footage showed people chasing it away, which was “unacceptable”.