In a tragic development, ten elephants were confirmed dead in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve this week with toxic substances found in their systems.

Forest officials suspect consumption of kodo millet as a potential cause of death, as veterinary examinations revealed toxicity in the animals’ stomachs.

Investigation teams, including wildlife crime officers and forensic experts, are probing the incident, marking a somber blip in India’s wildlife conservation efforts.

(With contributions from agencies.)