Bhubaneswar, May 25 -- The death of an elephant due to electrocution in Chanutmal village under Odisha's Muribahal Range has sparked controversy after a farmer was named as an accused in the case, raising serious questions about the Forest Department's investigation.

Reports indicate that the elephant died on April 30, allegedly due to a lack of coordination between the Forest Department and the Electricity Department. Instead of holding departmental lapses accountable, the Forest Department registered a case against farmer Sanjeeb Kumar Putel, and a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) has been issued against him. Warrants have also been issued against linesman Ajit Taria and Junior Electrical Engineer Mohammed Junaid.

The farmer, however, denie...