Sirsi: The injured female elephant, which was sighted near Ullal village in Sirsi taluk for the last three to four days died on Saturday, as it did not get timely medical treatment.

The elephant was pregnant and would have delivered a calf in next four to five months. Veterinary doctors, led by Dr Vinay, from Sakrebailu elephant camp performed surgery and took out a still born male calf. The doctors have collected required samples for forensic test, results of which are expected soon, informed DFO N D Sudarshan.

Villagers informed Deccan Herald that they had sighted the injured elephant four days ago and informed the forest department officials about its condition. However, help did not come for the female elephant. The department officials only arrived on Friday, by which time the health condition of elephant had deteriorated. Though the officials decided to shift the elephant to camp for further treatment, before they could prepare for logistic and other requirements, the elephant died.

“Had the elephant received timely treatment, it could have been saved,” said Raghavendra Naik, a resident of the village and added that doctors also came late for postmortem by which time the villagers had prepared for performing the final rites of the elephant. The carcass of the elephant was burnt in presence of forest department officials on Sunday.