The carcass of a four-year-old female elephant calf was recovered from the dry bed of the Teesta river in Gourikon area here on Friday evening.

The animal is suspected to have died due to poisoning, foresters said.

According to locals a few days back, a herd of elephants had reached the dry bed where they cultivate corn and ground nuts. “Even after consuming the crop, the herd stood there for days. This left us worried and we informed the foresters,” said a resident.

A forest team reached the spot and tried to steer the herd back into the forest. A section of animals headed for Baikunthapur forest while the other group went towards Kathambari forest.

After the herd left, foresters spotted the calf’s carcass. “It seems that the elephants were standing there because of the calf’s death. It looks like the animal died two-three days ago. We suspect it died of poisoning,” said a forest officer.

On Saturday, the calf was cremated after an autopsy.