Thrissur: The Kerala High Court has intervened in the case of torturing elephants at the renowned elephant camp ‘Punnathur Anakotta’ in Guruvayur. Following the emergence of video footage depicting mahouts beating elephants, the court has directed action against those responsible and directed the prohibition of using “thotti” (iron rod) as a means of controlling the elephants.
In response to the emergence of video evidence depicting mahouts beating elephants at the Guruvayur Devaswom Board’s elephant camp, the Kerala High Court has issued a stern rebuke against such acts of animal cruelty. In its directive, the court has mandated an audit of the Anakotta camp and the installation of CCTV cameras to monitor activities.
The Devaswom board, responsible for managing the elephant camp, attempted to justify the abuse by citing instances of elephants showing mischief during bathing sessions.
Among the elephants subjected to brutality are those who were revered for their role in carrying “Thidambu” (the miniature idol of the deity) at the Guruvayur Temple. Among the abused elephants was Krishna, an elephant presented to Lord Guruvayoorappan by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. In response to public outrage, three mahouts named Sarath, Bibin, and Hari have been suspended pending further investigation into the matter.
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