herd that killed three persons recently at Tiruvannamalai, today delivered a calf but the baby died as its mother ran in panic with the umbilical cord intact after villagers burst crackers, forest officials said.
Officials said the herd, comprising five female elephants and two male, are in a sugarcane plantation at Arunamalai and guarding the calf's carcass.
The baby died as it was dragged along on the ground when the elephant ran in panic, officials said.
The herd had damaged four houses in the area yesterday, officials said, adding, the villagers have been asked to move to safer places.
About 50 forest guards are monitoring the movement of the herd.
A team of 100 forest guards, along with a veterinary doctor had visited the area a few days ago and found the herd guarding the pregnant female elephant.
