A 12-year-old male trained elephant sustained injuries after it was allegedly attacked with a knife by a kavadi (mahout’s helper) at Mudumalai Tiger Reserve on Thursday.
Following this, the kavadi was suspended. Mudumalai Forest Ranger Pushpakaran said, “Bomman was beaten up by its kavadi Mani (24) at Theppakadu in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. It was not known if Mani attacked him with a log or knife. Mani has been suspended and departmental action initiated. The matter will be investigated to find out the reason behind the Kavadi’s action.”
Bomman was being treated and there was nothing to worry about the tusker’s health, he added. Bomman has been trained to perform pooja, ringing bells at Vinayakar temple at Mudumalai during Ayudha Pooja and Vinayakar Chathurthi.
Nigel Otter, Managing trustee, India Project for Animals and Nature, who is running a stray and orphaned animal farm at Mavanallah near Mudumalai, noted: “Usually mahouts and kavadis carry a knife to cut thorny bushes to create the way for their elephants while in forests.
He said, “Mahouts and kavadis should be counseled not to have liquor on duty. as they might get angry and attack the elephants. Bomman obeys orders properly,” he said.
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