Dibrugarh, Apr 20: A 13-month-old elephant calf died in eastern Assam’s Tinsukia district on Sunday, a day after receiving treatment at a veterinary camp in the Doomdooma Forest Division, triggering allegations of negligence and calls for an investigation.
The calf, named Lakhmini, died in the Kumsang Reserved Forest area. The treatment camp had been organised on April 18 in collaboration with Wildlife SOS.
Locals and members of the Moran community have alleged that the calf was administered an expired injection during the camp, leading to its death. Forest officials, however, said the exact cause will be ascertained only after a post-mortem examination.
Wildlife conservationist Devajit Moran alleged irregularities in the functioning of the NGO.
“This is a matter of deep grief. We lost a baby elephant. There appears to be a nexus. The NGO first declares elephants ill and then suggests taking them away for treatment. We do not want such practices here,” he said.
The incident has heightened concern among elephant owners in the area, particularly within the Moran community, which shares strong cultural and emotional ties with the animals.
“It has been happening for some time in a coordinated manner. If such practices are not stopped, we will intensify our protest,” Moran added.
According to the calf’s owner, the Forest Division had informed them about the camp in advance. “Our elephants were gathered and given injections in the presence of a forest guard. But this morning, we found Lakhmini dead,” the owner said.
The calf’s mother, Jayamati, has reportedly been in visible distress since the incident, further deepening local anxiety.
Residents have accused the NGO and attending veterinarians of negligence and have demanded immediate government intervention, including action against those responsible and compensation for the loss.
Officials said further steps would depend on the findings of the post-mortem report.
Also Read: Guwahati court rejects Assam Police plea for NBW against Pawan Khera
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