The death of a female elephant in a forest area in the city outskirts early this morning has come as a shock to the officials. This is the fifth tragedy in the last 15 days.

The pachyderm’s body was found in Narasipuram in Boluvampatti range.

The tragedies began on June 20 when an elephant was hit by a speeding train while it was trying to cross the track near Madukkarai. The second was that of Madukkarai Maharaj, who was captured and tranquilized following pressure from public. While trying to escape captivity, the Maharaj dashed its head against the wooded kraal leading to serious head injuries leading to its death on June 22.

Environmentalists blamed the forest officials for alleged mishandling and overdose of tranquilizer.

Again on June 25, the body of another elephant was found near Periyanaickenpalayam. The elephant, reportedly under treatment, had crossed over to Tamil Nadu from Kerala. One more elephant died on July 3 due to starvation in the Sirumugai forest range.