MYSURU: Dasara elephant Balarama, a member of Mathigod elephant camp, who suffered pellet injuries after an estate owner opened fire at him on Thursday night, is recovering and responding to treatment, said foresters.
He is on antibiotics and under observation. The elephant which has been part of 14 Dasara celebrations is 64 years old and healthy, said foresters who are optimistic he will recover soon. Estate owner M A Suresh of Alalur village in Periyapatna taluk has been arrested for the crime and remanded to judicial custody. The incident happened outside the forest region near Bheemanakatte. The accused reportedly mistook Balarama for a wild elephant and opened fire at the animal when it entered his farm. A case was registered against Suresh under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 for injuring an animal with his licensed gun.
Nagarahole tiger reserve director Harshakumar Chikkanaragund said Balarama suffered a pellet injury on the stomach. On Friday, when the elephant returned to camp, workers noticed he was in discomfort and pain. On checking him, they found that he was shot at. The veterinarians attending on him removed the pellets from his body.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.