Outrage after pregnant elephant killed with explosive-packed fruit in southern India

Outrage after pregnant elephant killed with explosive-packed fruit in southern India

Outrage has been expressed across India in response to the brutal killing of a pregnant elephant in southern India.

The animal was spotted on May 26 at the Ambalappara Valliyar river and later died on May 28.

Footage shows two tame elephants being used to remove the dead animal's body from the river.

According to Forest Department officials, the elephant was starving for many days and was weak after suffering an injury inside its mouth.

Local media also reported that that pregnant elephant died after eating a pineapple filled with firecrackers.

Preliminary investigation suggests the firecracker-laced fruit was left behind by some locals, who allegedly wanted to scare away a wild boar meandering in their village.

The Forest Department has identified some suspects and launched an investigation.

A case of poaching has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act.