The Forest Department has prohibited using the tusker, Unnikrishnan, which trampled its mahout to death a few days ago, for any purpose.
P.K. Jayakumar Sharma, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry), said the elephant should not be used for any purpose for a period of 15 days from April 6. After that, the elephant will be examined by a panel comprising the forest veterinary officer and two veterinarians to assess whether it suffers from physical or mental difficulties.
“The ban will be lifted only after it has been certified that the elephant is in its senses and has no ailments. The restriction will remain in effect if the experts find the animal unfit for routine chores,” he said.
Other factors
He said the pachyderm could have faced difficulties caused by stressful conditions, rise in temperature, and fatigue after being subjected to excessive work. It also might have been transported at scorching heat after having worked for two or three days at a stretch. “Under such circumstances, it was only natural for the elephant to behave in a violent manner,” he said.
Case against owner
The department has registered a case against the elephant owner, V.R. Madanmohanan Nair. A committee consisting of Divisional Forest Officer, flying squad; the forest veterinary officer; and the DCF (Social Forestry); met on Thursday. Further action will be taken on the basis of a report prepared by compiling their findings.
The elephant had trampled its mahout, 60-year-old Krishnankutty, while it was taken to the usual spot at Thrikkannapuram to be tethered on Tuesday.
Ban, in place for 15 days from April 6, will be lifted after experts vouch for the animal's health
