AFP - A growing tussle for land between farmers and wild elephants in northeast India has resulted in the suspected poisoning deaths of four elephants in the past week, officials said Friday.

Officials in Assam state believe the four animals were deliberately poisoned by lacing home-made alcohol with toxic chemicals.

"We have taken the matter very seriously and already an enquiry by the chief wildlife warden is on and strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of poisoning the elephants," state forest minister Rockybul Hussain told AFP.