Digital Desk: A viral video showing an injured domestic elephant named Maniki limping along a highway in Assam has sparked outrage among wildlife enthusiasts and prompted swift action from forest department officials.
The elephant was being forced to walk nearly 95 kilometers from Kakopathar in Tinsukia district to Dibrugarh for medical treatment, despite clear instructions to transport her by truck.
The distressing footage revealed Maniki struggling to move on her severely bent left foreleg, while a mahout rode on her back.
Her owner, Ruchi Chetia from Jorhat, blatantly ignored forest department guidelines that had explicitly recommended vehicular transportation to ensure the injured animal's welfare.
Maniki's ordeal stems from an injury sustained two years ago in Arunachal Pradesh, when a heavy wooden log fell on her left foreleg. Despite extensive treatment at that time, the broken leg failed to heal properly, leaving the elephant with a permanent bend and a chronic limping condition.
The animal was subsequently brought to Kakopathar, where her condition deteriorated, necessitating specialised medical care.
The viral video prompted swift action from authorities on Thursday morning. A joint team comprising district officials, forest department personnel, medical experts, and environmental activists reached Krishna Majhi's residence, where Maniki was resting.
The medical team immediately administered medication and assessed the elephant's condition.
Following their evaluation, the forest department and district administration have ordered a three-day rest period for Maniki. They also mandated that the owner arrange for transportation via truck to the treatment facility, with proper medical care en route.
Officials also revealed that instead of Dibrugarh, the elephant would now be taken to Kaziranga or Guwahati for advanced treatment.
The incident has raised serious questions about animal welfare protocols and the enforcement of wildlife protection guidelines. Officials indicated that action against the elephant's owner is being considered.
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