‘When HR&CE Fails To Properly Maintain, Such Incidents Occur’: DMK Min Ponmudi Blames Sekarbabu’s Department On Deadly Temple Elephant Attack

DMK Minister for the Forest Department, Ponmudi, recently sparked controversy during a press briefing by revealing that the elephant Deivanai, which was involved in the tragic death of a mahout and his relative on 18 November 2024, at the Tiruchendur Subramanian Swamy temple, was kept at the temple without proper authorization from the Forest Department. He further emphasized that many temples across the state have failed to secure the necessary permits for housing elephants.

Ponmudi confirmed that two individuals lost their lives after the temple elephant, Deivanai, attacked them in Tiruchendur. He pointed out that the Forest Department had not granted permission for the elephant’s presence at the temple, and that the animal, reportedly brought in from Assam, falls under the Department’s responsibility for protection. He added that the Department of Endowments is required to obtain the proper clearance for keeping temple elephants, and discussions are ongoing with that department on the matter.

During a press briefing on 21 November 2024, Ponmudi stated, “We have kept ‘Deivanai,’ the elephant from Tiruchendur, without the necessary permission. There is no authorization from Forest Department, and as you may have seen in the TV and magazines, the elephant was brought from Assam. Despite this, it has grown up here, and regardless of the circumstances, it remains our responsibility to ensure its protection and take actions in future.”

He then criticized the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Department, saying, “The responsibility for the elephant’s care falls under the temple’s HRCE. When they fail to properly maintain such unfortunate incidents like this occur.”

Ponmudi further revealed that veterinarians are currently evaluating the condition of Deivanai, and a decision regarding its potential transfer to a special camp will be made based on their medical assessment. The Forest Department is taking various steps to protect wildlife, including elephants and tigers, and is preparing a comprehensive plan to prevent elephants from entering residential areas.

The temple elephant is undergoing examination by veterinarians, and following their report, a decision will be made about relocating the elephant to a special camp. Additionally, a case has been filed with the Ministry of Justice concerning the Tamil Nadu government’s mountaineering plans, and legal actions are being pursued in relation to this matter.

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