A female elephant that had been roaming villages near Thalavadi for the past four days died on Friday (June 12, 2026) despite treatment, prompting the Forest Department to initiate an inquiry into the cause of its death.The elephant, estimated to be around 12 years old, had strayed out of the forest area under the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and entered villages including Tamilpuram, Arulvadi, and Jeerahalli in search of food and water. The animal reportedly damaged crops, causing concern among residents. Forest personnel from the Jeerahalli range had been attempting to drive the elephant back into the forest. However, it continued to move around villages in the Thalavadi region.According to officials, the elephant collapsed suddenly on Thursday (June 11) evening while moving near Karalavadi village under the Jeerahalli forest range. On receiving information, forest personnel rushed to the spot and arranged for veterinary treatment. A team of veterinarians monitored and treated the animal through the night. Despite efforts to save it, the elephant died on Friday morning.Forest officials said investigations were under way to ascertain the cause of death. It was not immediately known whether the animal succumbed to illness or any other reason. The exact cause would be established after the post-mortem examination, officials said. Published - June 12, 2026 02:58 pm IST