Digboi, June 16 -- The Digboi Forest Division achieved a major breakthrough with the recovery of a 1.6-foot-long missing ivory tusk weighing 1.8 kilograms on Monday morning during an intense operation at Digboi's Lakhipather in Assam's Tinsukia district.

According to officials engaged in the extensive 19-day search operation, the tusk, believed to be intended for smuggling, was recovered from the residence of the already-arrested accused, Nitul Moran, of Upper Mamorani village.

The poaching of a mature wild elephant through electrocution in a tea garden came to light on May 30.

Based on credible evidence and confessions, the owner of the tea garden was arrested.

However, no significant clue about the chopped ivory tusk had emerged dur...