Farm owner arrested for shooting at Mysuru Ambari elephant ‘Balarama’

Team Udayavani, Dec 17, 2022, 8:34 AM IST

Injured Balarama receiving treatment. Inset: The accused farm owner Suresh

Mysuru: Balarama, the famous Ambari elephant at the Mysuru Dasara, was shot on Thursday night by a farm owner at Periyapatna taluk.

The tusker is injured in the incident and is being treated by a team of veterinarians headed by Dr. Ramesh of the Nagarhole National Park.

Meanwhile, the farm owner, identified as Suresh, has been taken into custody by forest officials on Friday.

The incident occurred near the Bhimarakatte Elephant Camp in Periyapatna Taluk. Balarama reportedly ventured into the farm owned by Suresh which is close to the camp. Angered by this, Suresh allegedly shot at the jumbo. Balarama has sustained a bullet injury near the front thigh.

Forest officials have confiscated a single-barrel gun and cartridges from the accused. After registering a case, the accused was produced before the court and has been remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.