Arjuna’s demise raises questions on safety of kumki elephants, demands for investigation

Team Udayavani, Dec 6, 2023, 10:12 AM IST

The poignant cries of the mahouts echoed through the air as they bid farewell to Arjuna, the elephant who met an untimely demise after being gored by a wild tusker during an operation in Yasalur taluk.

Arjuna, revered for carrying the howdah of mother Chamundeshwari during Mysore Dasara, was mourned by thousands as his last rites were conducted at the site of his tragic passing.

Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding Arjuna’s demise has sparked widespread debate and concern among wildlife enthusiasts about the safety and welfare of Kumki elephants engaged by the forest department. Questions have also been raised about the operation’s adherence to regulations.

Aged 64, Arjuna remained strong and actively participated in numerous successful operations. However, concerns arose regarding the operation’s compliance with directives barring elephants over 60 years old. Allegations surfaced regarding the use of retired elephants in operations, in defiance of court orders.

Doubts raised

Contradictory accounts emerged about Arjuna’s demise, with some suggesting mishaps during the operation, including missed anesthetic injections or unintended gunshot injuries.

Amidst these speculations, there’s mention of forest officials being unaware of the presence of the wild tusker in masth (heat) during the operation.

Notably, this incident echoes the death of Venkatesh, a 67-year-old elephant, during a similar operation, raising objections about employing retired elephants.

The allegations of lack of anesthesiologists and adequate forest department oversight during Arjuna’s operation demand serious governmental investigation to ensure justice for his death.

Additionally, the escalating issue of forest encroachment necessitates urgent attention, with elephant task forces unable to function optimally due to staffing shortages. Addressing this root problem should be the government’s primary focus to effectively manage such operations in the future, many opined.