JAKARTA: Riau Police have launched an investigation into the death of a Sumatran elephant found decapitated inside a pulp company’s forest concession in Riau.
The authorities said the elephant’s carcass was discovered within the concession area of PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (PT RAPP) in Lubuk Kembang Bunga village, Pelalawan regency, on Monday (Feb 2) night.
One of RAPP workers reported detecting a strong, pungent odor coming from the forest and decided to investigate its source. Upon further inspection, the worker found the carcass of an elephant.
The elephant, estimated to be around 30 years old, was found in a sitting position with its head missing. The finding was immediately reported to company security, who then notified the police and the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA).
Head of the Riau Police Criminal Investigation Division Adj. Comr. I Gede Yoga Eka Pranata said investigators are still working to determine the cause of death of the animal.
“We are carrying out a crime scene investigation and questioning witnesses to uncover how the elephant died,” he said on Friday, as quoted by Tribunnews.com.
Authorities have also conducted a necropsy on the elephant’s carcass and collected soil samples from the area where it was found for laboratory analysis.
“There are strong indications of a criminal act. Preliminary findings suggest the elephant was killed by poachers, as its head and tusks were missing. We are committed to tracking down and prosecuting those responsible,” he added. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
