Bandhavgarh elephant deaths: Toxicology report rules out intentional poisoning, points to fungus in kodo millet plants

The report advised a “survey and destruction of the fungal infected kodo crop residue as well as avoiding the entry of domestic and wild animals into such fields”.

Written by Anand Mohan J

Bhopal | Updated: November 6, 2024 08:13 AM IST

2 min read

elephant deaths, Bandhavgarh news, indian express

The lab had analysed samples of the liver, kidney, spleen, heart, lungs, stomach, and intestinal contents of the elephants. (Express photo)

According to the toxicology report of the 10 elephants that died at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, they had consumed a “large quantity” of kodo millet plants that were infected with a fungus.

The toxicological examination report from the Centre for Wildlife Conservation, Management and Disease Surveillance, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, also rejected suspicions that the elephants may have been poisoned intentionally. This was after the samples tested negative for several other toxic substances.

The lab had analysed samples of the liver, kidney, spleen, heart, lungs, stomach, and intestinal contents of the elephants.

“Presence cyclopiazonic acid was detected in all pooled samples. Approximate concentration of cyclopiazonic acid detected in the sample was above 100 ppb. Further screening of all the samples is being made to estimate the exact concentration… The results indicate that the elephants might have consumed large quantities of kodo plant/grains,” the report read.

The report advised a “survey and destruction of the fungal infected kodo crop residue as well as avoiding the entry of domestic and wild animals into such fields”.

It also called for raising “awareness among farmers and livestock owners in and around BTR” regarding the fungal infection of the crop. “Detailed study should be conducted on cropping and ambience in and around BTR, etc,” the report said.

According to a 2023 research paper titled ‘Potential Risk of Cyclopiazonic Acid Toxicity in Kodua Poisoning’, published in the Journal of Scientific and Technical Research, the kodo millet is mainly cultivated in dry and semi-arid regions. But sometimes, “environmental conditions like spring and summer strike as being suitable for a certain kind of poisoning, which leads to greater economic crop loss”.

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According to the paper, “CPA (cyclopiazonic acid) is one of the major mycotoxins associated with the kodo millet seeds causing kodo poisoning, which was first recognised during the mid-eighties.”

“Millets are more prone to fungal infection, followed by bacterial and viral; these infections adversely affect the grain and fodder yield. Ergot is a parasitic fungal endophyte that grows in the ear heads of various blade grass, most frequently on kodo millet. Consumption of such kodo grains is often found to cause poisoning,” the paper said.

Anand Mohan J

Anand Mohan J is an award-winning Senior Correspondent for The Indian Express, currently leading the bureau’s coverage of Madhya Pradesh. With a career spanning over eight years, he has established himself as a trusted voice at the intersection of law, internal security, and public policy. Based in Bhopal, Anand is widely recognized for his authoritative reporting on Maoist insurgency in Central India. In late 2025, he provided exclusive, ground-level coverage of the historic surrender of the final Maoist cadres in Madhya Pradesh, detailing the backchannel negotiations and the "vacuum of command" that led to the state being declared Maoist-free. Expertise and Reporting Beats Anand’s investigative work is characterized by a "Journalism of Courage" approach, holding institutions accountable through deep-dive analysis of several key sectors: National Security & Counter-Insurgency: He is a primary chronicler of the decline of Naxalism in the Central Indian corridor, documenting the tactical shifts of security forces and the rehabilitation of surrendered cadres. Judiciary & Legal Accountability: Drawing on over four years of experience covering Delhi’s trial courts and the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Anand deconstructs complex legal rulings. He has exposed critical institutional lapses, including custodial safety violations and the misuse of the National Security Act (NSA). Wildlife Conservation (Project Cheetah): Anand is a leading reporter on Project Cheetah at Kuno National Park. He has provided extensive coverage of the biological and administrative hurdles of rewilding Namibian and South African cheetahs, as well as high-profile cases of wildlife trafficking. Public Health & Social Safety: His recent investigative work has uncovered systemic negligence in public services, such as contaminated blood transfusions causing HIV infections in thalassemia patients and the human cost of the fertilizer crisis affecting rural farmers. Professional Background Tenure: Joined The Indian Express in 2017. Locations: Transitioned from the high-pressure Delhi City beat (covering courts, police, and labor issues) to his current role as a regional lead in Madhya Pradesh. Notable Investigations: * Exposed the "digital arrest" scams targeting entrepreneurs. Investigated the Bandhavgarh elephant deaths and the impact of kodo millet fungus on local wildlife. Documented the transition of power and welfare schemes (like Ladli Behna) in Madhya Pradesh governance. Digital & Professional Presence Author Profile: Anand Mohan J at Indian Express Twitter handle: @mohanreports ... Read More

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