GUWAHATI: In the wake of a violent clash between a rhino and forest department vehicle in the Ruhita region of Bokakhat, the lifeless body of the endangered species was found in the area, on Tuesday.
Forest authorities told the local press that the rhino had been a resident of the region, stubbornly resisting multiple relocation attempts by Kaziranga Forest officials to transfer the endangered species to the National Park.
The confrontation had occurred on April 15 when the rhino went on a rampage, colliding with a forest department tractor dispatched to pacify the agitated animal.
The consequences of the incident have thrown public life into disarray, compelling residents to suspend their Rongali Bihu celebrations.
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Reportedly, the rhino sustained serious injuries during the collision. The forest department, however, hasn’t divulged the actual reason for its death.
Notably, the Northeast’s largest national park has seen three rhino fatalities in the last two months, all officially attributed to natural causes. With this latest incident, the tally rises to four.
The latest casualty was uncovered at the Tunikati Forest camp within the Burapahar range of the National Park on March 23.
Following a thorough investigation into the incident, a forest officer faced suspension for alleged negligence.
In early March, officials at Kaziranga National Park had discovered another deceased rhinoceros near the riverbanks of Gai Tapu, adding to the growing tally of wildlife fatalities.
Last February, a mature rhino carcass was recovered in the Kohora range of Kaziranga, in close proximity to Mona Beel.
At that time, forest officials speculated that the intact horn suggested a tiger-kill as the likely cause of death.
