Forest Department staff said Venkadesappa, from Kavipuram village has been arrested and two tusks and wires used for setting up the electric fence were seized from him, while a search is on for another farmer Narayanappa.

The wild elephant aged around 38 was found dead in a private farm land with no visible signs of injury abutting Udedurgam Reserve Forest near Denkanikottai on Sunday. A post mortem revealed that the elephant had died of electrocution.

Inquiries revealed that the two farmers had set up an illegal electric fence by lifting power from an overhead electric line with an intention to poach wild animals. Officials said that a search is on to nab the other accused identified as Narayanappa, who had gone into hiding.

Meanwhile, people from Chennamalam village in Jawalagiri Forest Range in Krishnagiri district have sought the Forest Department to remove the carcass of a 10-year-old elephant, which was gunned down by a farmer on November 3. Villagers fear that the decaying animal may become a source for spread of infection and stench emanating from it is also unbearable. After a post mortem, the carcass was left on a stream without being buried.