Udhagamandalam (PTI): The carcass of an elephant, bearing bullet injuries and tusks and tail removed, has been found in the Mudumalai Tiger Sanctuary.

Forest department sources said the villagers heard three gun shots between 7.30 am amd 10.30 am on Friday and informed senior forest and police officials.

Officials found the carcass without its head and the tusks and tail removed with an axe.

The carcass, found lying in Doddamayar area, had bullet injuries in the neck, abdomen and rear portion, they said.

State Conservator of forests, Kannan, Project Tiger Director, Srivatsava, Gudalur and North Forest Divisional Forest Officers and senior police officials have reached the spot, they said.

Officials at the Karnataka and Kerala borders have been alerted and resorts and lodges in Nilgiris district are being searched to flush out the poachers, the sources said.