Brutal Elephant Death in Riau: Head Severed, Tusks Removed, Investigation Underway
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- A roughly 30-year-old male elephant was found dead in Pelalawan, Riau, with its head and tusks missing, prompting a police investigation.
- Authorities say the animal’s condition suggests it was killed; forensics have collected soil samples and officers are questioning witnesses.
- The carcass was discovered near an industrial timber plantation concession in Ukui District, and police have vowed to pursue the perpetrators.
A male elephant believed to be around 30 years old was found dead in Pelalawan, Riau, with its head and tusks missing.
“The elephant was found dead with its head already severed, and it was in a sitting position,” Pelalawan Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. John Luois said, as quoted by detikSumut on Thursday (Feb. 5, 2026).
The elephant was discovered on Feb. 2 in the vicinity of an industrial timber plantation (HTI) concession in Ukui District. Police are still investigating what caused the bull elephant’s death.
“We are still conducting an investigation to determine the cause of death, including a crime-scene examination and questioning witnesses,” John said.
A forensic team from the Riau Police’s laboratory unit (Bidlabfor), led by First Insp. Imam Yusuf Hanura, collected soil samples from around the location where the elephant was found. The samples are expected to be tested in a laboratory.
John said police would hunt down those responsible, noting that the animal’s condition strongly suggested it had been killed.
“This is a wild elephant, and it is suspected (to have been killed). We will investigate this to uncover the perpetrators,” John said.
Indonesianpost.com | Detik
