Jharsuguda: An elephant calf drowned in Mahanadi river near Kusmel village under Lakhanpur block of Odisha's Jharsuguda district today.

According to reports, an elephant herd from Barapahada forest was crossing the river this afternoon when the baby elephant suspectedly slipped into deep water and drowned.

Till last reports came in, the herd was spotted near Hirakud reservoir at Pujaripali in Bhikampali panchayat.

On being informed, Forest Department officials reached the spot and initiated investigation.