Assam orders probe into killing of elephant calf
By IANSThursday, October 28, 2010
GUWAHATI - The Assam government Thursday ordered a probe into the death of a wild elephant calf clobbered to death by villagers two days ago after it strayed from the herd and entered a human settlement area.
The enquiry would be conducted by Assam’s Chief Wildlife Warden P.K. Agarwal.
I have asked for a detailed enquiry into the incident and I assure you that whosoever is found guilty would face action as per law, Assam Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain told journalists.
More than 200 villagers armed with sticks, bamboo poles and ropes, went berserk Tuesday charging the baby elephant along a paddy field in Gubah village in Morigaon district, about 60 km east of Assam’s main city of Guwahati.
The incident took place in front of at least two armed personnel - a forest ranger and a policeman - with the more than hour-long gory drama filmed by an amateur videographer.
The incident triggered outrage among wildlife conservationists and lovers with both local and national TV channels beaming the gory images in vivid details - villagers surrounding the calf from all sides and people clobbering the elephant with sticks and bamboo poles.
The enquiry would be completed soon and action taken thereafter, the minister said.
The calf finally gave up its fight to escape with the villagers tying its legs with a nylon rope. After a few hours baby died.
