HC directs intensive care for Bhavani temple jumbo

The first bench comprising Chief Justice AP Sahi and Justice Subramonium Prasad, before whom the plea moved by animal activist MV Muralidharan came up, directed the Forest Department to rush a team of veterinarians to provide the diseased elephant with immediate medical care before shifting it to a rehabilitation centre.

However, the bench also rapped the petitioner for directly approaching the high court without approaching the District Welfare Committee (DWC) meant for exclusive protection of captive elephants.

Also, pointing out that as per the guidelines the DWCs will have to periodically inspect the animal and send a comprehensive report to the State Committee headed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, directed the DWC to inspect the elephant and submit a report to the PCCF.

Based on the report, the PCCF should initiate immediate action, the bench said while disposing of the petition.

The petitioner submitted that the elephant has been affected for the past three years and the HR&CE Department, which is meant to take care of the elephant, has ignored it. This has resulted in the health of Vedanayaki deteriorating badly.

Now, the tumour on its leg has worsened and the elephant is unable to even stand, the plea said.