Assam forest minister Parimal Suklabaidya on Friday visited Bamuni Pahar in Nagaon district, where 18 elephants died a day ago presumably due to lightning, and ordered an inquiry into the incident.

A panel, headed by Deputy Conservator of Forest K K Deori with seven veterinarians as members, has been instituted to carry out the inquiry, and file a preliminary report within three days and a detailed account in the next 15 days, an official release stated.