DIBRUGARH: Her journey was meant to be a quest for healing but it soon turned out to be a painful ordeal as she was forced to walk nearly 95km to Dibrugarh for medical care, breaking the hearts of netizens and sparking a public outrage across Assam.
Maniki, a 48-year-old female elephant, became the center of a storm when a distressing video surfaced, showing her limping painfully along a highway. Her left foreleg, severely deformed from an old injury, bore the weight of her struggle as she trudged forward, a mahout perched on her back.
Video
For six gruelling days, since she set out from Kakopathar in Tinsukia on Aug 1, Maniki covered just 36km, her agony palpable with each step. Her owner, Ruchi Chetia, had ignored the forest department's orders to transport her by truck, leaving her to bear the weight of her injury and the burden of neglect.
It was only when compassionate locals intervened that her plight began to change. On Aug 6, Krishna Majhi, a resident of Makum, offered her temporary refuge, providing a momentary respite from her arduous journey.
The viral video ignited a wave of public outcry, compelling authorities to act swiftly on Thursday. A team of district officials, forest personnel, veterinarians, and activists descended upon Majhi's residence to assess Maniki's condition. After administering medical aid, they mandated a three-day rest and arranged for her to be transported by truck to either Kaziranga or Guwahati for advanced treatment.
"The owner's disregard for guidelines is inexcusable," a forest official said, vowing to ensure Maniki received the care she desperately needed. "We've ensured proper transport and medical support. Legal action will follow investigations," he added.
Wildlife activists, appalled by the incident, demanded stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws. "Making an injured elephant walk such a distance is pure cruelty. The owner must face consequences," said activist Niranta Gohain.
Maniki's injury was a haunting reminder of a tragic accident two years prior, when a heavy log fell on her leg in Arunachal Pradesh. Despite attempts at treatment, the injury never healed, leaving her permanently disabled. Recently, her condition deteriorated, necessitating urgent specialized care.
Maniki, a 48-year-old female elephant, became the center of a storm when a distressing video surfaced, showing her limping painfully along a highway. Her left foreleg, severely deformed from an old injury, bore the weight of her struggle as she trudged forward, a mahout perched on her back.
Video
For six gruelling days, since she set out from Kakopathar in Tinsukia on Aug 1, Maniki covered just 36km, her agony palpable with each step. Her owner, Ruchi Chetia, had ignored the forest department's orders to transport her by truck, leaving her to bear the weight of her injury and the burden of neglect.
It was only when compassionate locals intervened that her plight began to change. On Aug 6, Krishna Majhi, a resident of Makum, offered her temporary refuge, providing a momentary respite from her arduous journey.
The viral video ignited a wave of public outcry, compelling authorities to act swiftly on Thursday. A team of district officials, forest personnel, veterinarians, and activists descended upon Majhi's residence to assess Maniki's condition. After administering medical aid, they mandated a three-day rest and arranged for her to be transported by truck to either Kaziranga or Guwahati for advanced treatment.
"The owner's disregard for guidelines is inexcusable," a forest official said, vowing to ensure Maniki received the care she desperately needed. "We've ensured proper transport and medical support. Legal action will follow investigations," he added.
Wildlife activists, appalled by the incident, demanded stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws. "Making an injured elephant walk such a distance is pure cruelty. The owner must face consequences," said activist Niranta Gohain.
Maniki's injury was a haunting reminder of a tragic accident two years prior, when a heavy log fell on her leg in Arunachal Pradesh. Despite attempts at treatment, the injury never healed, leaving her permanently disabled. Recently, her condition deteriorated, necessitating urgent specialized care.
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