Bhubaneswar, Jan. 23 -- Action has been initiated in connection with the disappearance of a dead elephant from the Baliguda forest division in Kandhamal district, with the Forest Department and police intensifying the investigation. The driver of a forest ranger, Hrushikesh Panda, has been arrested in the case, officials said.

According to officials, Panda was arrested after it was revealed that a JCB machine allegedly used by the accused was deployed to dig a pit to bury the elephant's carcass in an attempt to destroy evidence. However, the concerned forest ranger, Binay Kumar Bishi, remains absconding.

A case has been registered against three persons - Ranger Binay Kumar Bishi, his driver Hrushikesh Panda, and the JCB owner Antaryami ...