Was Dasara jumbo Arjuna injured in firing by forest staff? Mahout’s statement gives rise to suspicion

HASSAN: Amid much opposition from locals and mahouts, the Fortest Department cremated the elephant Arjuna at the KFDC plantation at Dabballikkatte near Yeslur in Sakleshpura taluk with all state honours. The police had to resort to lathicharge to disperse crowds as leaders of some organisations demanded that Arjuna’s carcass be taken to Mysuru and tried to interrupt the final rituals. Chaos prevailed for some time as a result of this.

Arjuna died while fighting with a wild elephant during an operation to radio collar elephants in Hassan on Monday. Four other elephants were part of the Forest Department exercise and one wild elephant attacked Arjuna during the rescue operation. The Forest officers allegedly opened fire in the air to protect Arjuna from the wild elephant’s attack. While three other elephants stepped back from the fight, it was suspected that a bullet hit Arjuna’s leg. It is being alleged that had Arjuna been called back and treated for the wound, he would have lived.

It is being alleged that firing in the air was a major mistake by the team. Some said the veterinarian given sedatives to Arjuna instead of the wild elephant. Due to this, Arjuna lost his strength and collapsed. Also, another sedative shot hit elephant Prashant. The elephant was later revived with medicines. The locals have demanded a proper investigation into the elephant’s death.

Vinu, the mahout of Arjuna, shed tears on the sudden demise of his beloved elephant. The two shared a good bond and on hearing the news of Arjuna’s death on Tuesday, he collapsed. Later, the Forest Department staff took him to the hospital in an ambulance. But he again visited the site to see Arjuna. Many people came all the way from Mysuru to get a last view of Dasara elephant Arjuna and pay their last tribute.

Prior to Arjuna being laid to rest, there was speculation that the elephant may have died after sustaining injuries in the firing of forest staff. The mahout raised suspicions over the death of Arjuna, saying it was a misfire by forest staff.

Royal priest Prahlad, who spoke to the media after performing the last rites for Arjuna, said, “Unfortunately, we lost Arjuna today. Birth is natural, and death is certain. Arjuna died during the forest capture operation. Ever since he came to the palace, I used to worship him. It’s like I felt like losing one of my brothers. It was a beautiful moment to see him carrying the heavy golden howdah with dignity during the Dasara procession. But he has left us now, and it was very painful”.