Bhubaneswar, Nov 3 (PTI) Expressing concern over the unnatural deaths of about 60 wild elephants, Odisha's Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia ordered a detailed inquiry into it.

Singkhuntia wrote to Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) Satyabrat Sahu in this regard, a statement said on Sunday.

Also Read | EAM S Jaishankar Credits PM Narendra Modi's Leadership for Deepening India-Australia Ties.

He ordered a division-wise thorough investigation into the deaths and directed that stringent action should be taken against those officials found responsible.

He also sought a report on this within a month.

Also Read | EAM S Jaishankar Says India and China Made 'Some Progress' in Disengagement, Other Steps Could Happen.

Describing the matter as very alarming, the minister said additional care is necessary to curb such deaths, according to the statement.

He said the state government has been taking various steps to prevent the unnatural death of elephants.

"However, there is a need for more care and sincerity on the part of forest officials to ensure a safe environment with statutory protective measures for the safety of the elephants," he said.

"Priority must be given on the matter and errant officers must not be let scot-free," he added.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)