Guwahati: A decomposed carcass of a wild elephant was discovered in the Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam, sparking suspicions of poaching.

According to forest officials, the elephant is believed to have been killed around a month ago, with parts of its body missing.

An investigation team from the Rani Forest Range Office, along with assistant officials of the Conservator of Forests, has been dispatched to the site to gather evidence. Samples are being collected for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

Locals suspect that the elephant was hunted by poachers, who may have dried and removed its meat from the spot. The forest officials have disposed of the carcass by setting it on fire, following the completion of the initial investigation.

Further investigation is underway to identify those responsible for the alleged poaching.