The mercy killing of Arundhati was deferred for the third day on Monday as wildlife activists continued to protest against the decision. Meanwhile, the misery of the 80-year-old female elephant worsened as its right foot, injured a fortnight ago, has now developed gangrene.

The Uttarakhand State Legal Services Authority has issued a notice to Uttarakhand Chief Wildlife Warden Shrikant Chandola asking him to explain under which provision of law the order to put Arundhati to sleep was passed.

Chandola confirmed that he had received a notice and said he was preparing a reply.

On Sunday, Uttarakhand Forest Minister Banshi Dhar Bhagat personally went to Chilla range of the Rajaji National Park to see the condition of the elephant and defended the decision of the Government.

Arundhati was to be administered death by injection till People for Animals, a voluntary group for animal rights, stepped in and objected to the government decision. Officials, however, maintain that there is a provision for mercy killing of wild animals under the Wildlife Protection Act.

A popular elephant with tourists coming to the national park, Arundhati was used for jungle safaris. However, a fortnight ago, it was caught in a swamp and suffered multiple fractures. The national park officials invited a veterinary expert from New Delhi to examine her and even set up a three-member panel of veterinary doctors to advise on her treatment. The panel submitted that there was no other option but to allow mercy killing.

The proposal to end her life was sent by the park officials to the Chief Wildlife Warden, who signed the orders. However, there were protests by wildlife activists, who demanded that the elephant not be put to death, and they were joined by locals.

... contd.