In an episode of what wildlife conservationists call a transparent display of animal cruelty. Residents of Mechinagar Municipality in Jhapa on Monday physically abused an elephant calf. Baby elephant had separated from its herd.
The incident occurred after a herd of wild elephants entered Bahundangi village in Nepal from Kerabari on Sunday evening. The herd crossed the electric fencing and brought severe destruction in the village and returned to India in the morning. However, a male elephant calf, around two-three years of age, had separated from the herd.
A group of locals spotted the calf and informed others. A group of locals spotted the calf and informed others. They were in a mood to have the young calf repay for the damage done by its herd the night before.
The locals surrounded the calf, tied with the rope and brought it to the ground with a loud bang. Once the calf was on the ground, they tied its leg with rope. Some locals started taking selfies with the helpless calf while some began pulling the ropes and attacking the young elephant.
Officials from the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and Forest Division were at the spot. But they did not do anything to stop the locals the whole time.
After an hour they set the poor elephant free. However, the young calf’s torture did not end after being released. The locals chased the frightened animal. They repeatedly hit it with sticks and stones to send the elephant back to the Indian side. At times, the elephant also tried its best to warn its attackers but it didn’t help.
Environment conservationist Dr Shanta Raj Gyawali criticize the behavior displayed by the locals towards the elephant calf.
