Team from Assam inspects Joymala in Srivilliputhur

MADURAI: A team of officials from the Assam Forest Department inspected the condition of the female elephant Joymala in Srivilliputhur Andal temple, Virudhunagar on Monday.

The inspection was made per the directives of the Gauhati High Court after a video that went viral on social media showed the elephant allegedly tortured by mahouts.

The court recently directed the TN Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), and the DGP to permit the team from Assam to visit the temple where the elephant is kept. According to Virudhunagar Collector J Meghanatha Reddy, the team inspected the elephant and is convinced. Sources said, the visit has ended all controversy after the PETA released a video claiming the female elephant was subjected to cruelty.