Actor Darshan donates granite slabs for construction of memorial for Dasara elephant Arjuna

HASSAN: Popular Sandalwood actor Darshan Thoogudeepa has donated granite slabs for the construction of a memorial for Dasara elephant Arjuna which died last year during an operation to catch a rogue elephant.

Darshan had pledged to do his bit towards the construction of a memorial for the at the site where it died at Dabballikatte in Yeslur range of Sakleshpur taluk. Despite the pouring rain on Wednesday, the actor’s supporters transported the granite slabs to the site.

Dasara elephant Arjuna died during an operation to radio-collar wild elephants during a fight with a wild tusker. Arjuna was cremated in the Dabballikatte forest area in Yeslur hobli of Sakleshpur taluk with full state honours.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said last December, “Arjuna carried the golden howdah on eight occasions. It is tragic that the elephant died and I have ordered for a probe. A memorial will be built at the place where Arjuna died and also in HD Kote taluk”.