Digboi, April 17 -- A case of organised ivory poaching has come to light in Lakhipathar under the Digboi Forest Division in Assam's Tinsukia district, raising fresh concerns over enforcement gaps and the vulnerability of elephants in the region.

The latest victim is Mangal Singh, an aged domesticated tusker believed to be among the oldest in the district. Owned by a resident of Margherita, the elephant had been stationed in the Lakhipathar area for grazing over the past two years with prior intimation to the Forest Department.

Officials said the animal was attacked on April 15 while it was tied inside the forest. The assailants allegedly sawed off both tusks and fled, leaving the tusker critically injured. The delay in immediate medical...