Sarthak Kanjilall & John Wilbert
Port Blair, July 15: After nearly two days long efforts, the Forest Department personnel this afternoon tranquilized and captured the 40-year-old tusker that killed his Mahout 02 days back.
According to forest department officials, the male elephant, ‘Billy Bahadur’ originally attached to Garacharma Range, was involved in log shifting works since 4-5 days at Shoal Bay Number 09 before killing his Mahout Mr. Niranjan Jaidar S/o Bian Jaidar R/o Harpattabad.
Following the death, the District Wildlife Unit pulled their socks up to capture the Tusker that went inside the woods at Shoal Bay Number 09, after attacking his Mahout.
According to officials, efforts to capture the elephant started on 13th July itself, the day of the incident, and this afternoon finally teams of Wildlife and Forest Department with the help of their veterinarians, got success in tranquilizing the elephant. Later, the elephant was tied with the ropes. The team involved in capturing the Tusker returned back this evening at 06:00 pm, it is learned.
Meanwhile talking to Andaman Sheekha Mr. A C Thilak, DFO, Forest Department said that Doctors attending the Elephant have advised to keep the elephant wet to keep it calm. Regarding relief to the family members of the Mahout, the officers said that as per provision the family will get relief under Forest Act and also from Administration. He said that from Labour’s Welfare Fund some relief was given to the family members of the Mahout.
“The Elephant was located at around 10 AM and the Elephant was Tranquilizing without any harm to the Animal,” he said.
