The decomposed carcass of a tusker was discovered on Sunday in a forest near Kasiadihi under the Dhenkanal Sadar Range. Forest officials suspect that the elephant may have died three to four days ago.

According to reports, villagers from Kasiadihi first spotted the carcass while entering the forest in the morning. They immediately alerted the Forest Department, which rushed officials to the site and began an investigation.

The carcass was later sent for postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities stated that further details will be known only after the postmortem report is completed.

Officials at the site said the elephant is believed to be over 20 years old, though the exact age and other details are yet to be officially confirmed.

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The Forest Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and is examining the surrounding forest area as part of the inquiry.