Nearly three months after three elephants, including a one-and-a-half-year-old calf, were found dead in Pernampattu range, Vellore district, veterinarians have confirmed that the cause of death was herpes virus.
The finding comes from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, which analysed bone marrow samples sent by Vellore forest officials. Necropsy had revealed no external injuries, ruling out poaching as the cause of death.
Arrests in Ivory Theft
Despite poaching being ruled out, three people — K Mani and J Chinnathambi from Pernampattu, and M Aruchami from Gudiyatham — were arrested for stealing tusks from one of the deceased elephants. A special team recovered the tusks when the accused attempted to sell them.
Further interrogation led to the arrest of C Ellappa Golla and P Chandrababu from Chittoor district. Two others, V Sivaraj and K Muniappa, remain absconding.
Forest officials verified the recovered tusks — 51 cm long with a 15 cm mid-circumference — by fitting them into the skull cavity of the eight-year-old male elephant. The recovered ivory has been safely deposited in the Vellore forest division.
Similar Case in 2023
A previous case in September 2023 involved a 25-year-old tusker in the Ambur range near the Andhra Pradesh border. Its tusks were also missing, and three youths were arrested in connection with that theft.
Authorities continue monitoring and investigating wildlife crimes in the region to prevent further elephant tusk thefts.
