While several incidents of anti-wildlife activities are being reported from across the State, an ailing elephant was found struggling for life in a crop field at Haladibasanta village under the Dalijoda Forest Range in Cuttack district.
The elephant could not move its head and body.
According to reports, a herd of elephants had been moving at the village a week ago. While six elephants returned to the forest, one, which was supposed to be ill, failed to do so.
On Friday night, the elephant herd had again visited the village to take its sick member with it. However, the herd could not succeed in its effort and went back to the forest.
Forest officials and veterinary doctors were yet to reach the spot till the last report came in.