The Forest Department on Thursday began investigation into the death of an elephant, whose carcass was found in the Tenda area under the Kuldiha Forest Range in the district, with tusks missing.
The incident came to the fore after locals who had visited the forest came across the carcass lying near Kuldiha Forest Rest House.
Later, the department officials accompanied with veterinary doctors had rushed to the spot and sconducted a preliminary investigation.
They also carried out autopsy of the body to ascertain whether it was poached or not.