A wild elephant and its calf died during labour in the Kaithak Para area of Rangamati's Rajasthali upazila today.

After the post-mortem examination around 3:00pm, the female elephant and its calf were buried.

Locals reported that for the past few weeks, a herd of wild elephants had been roaming the deep forests of Hajipara, Tongbosi Para, Noa Para, and finally Kaithak Para in Gaindya union of Rajasthali upazila.

The elephant and the calf died during the birth-giving process two days ago in the Kaithak Para area, confirmed veterinary officers.

Chiranjit Chakma, assistant veterinary officer of Rajasthali Upazila Livestock Department, said the female elephant became ill during labour and subsequently died along with the calf.

Faraz Al Amin, range officer of the Rajvilla Range under the Kaptai Pulpwood Plantation Division, said that upon receiving news of the death of a female elephant in the Kaithak Para hills, he visited the spot at around 1:00pm along with the Forest Department and the assistant veterinary officer from the Livestock Department. The mother elephant and the calf were buried after autopsy.

The range officer further mentioned that there were no signs of gunshots, injuries, or electric traps on the elephant's body.

Quoting the veterinarian, he added that the mother elephant died from complications during childbirth.

The female elephant was estimated to be over 20 years old, weighing around 3 tonnes, and measuring 10 to 12 feet in length.

The Forest Department has filed a general diary (GD) at the Rajasthali Police Station regarding the incident.