Guwahati: Tamil Nadu has refused to give the leased tusker back to Assam after a verbal spat on Thursday between the governments of Assam and that state over Joymala’s mistreatment.
The Tamil Nadu government informed the Madras High Court in response to a PIL filed by the Assam government that it would not be returning the leased elephants.
This happened the day after the Assam government asked the Gauhati High Court for instructions on how to bring the elephants back; particularly temple elephant Joymala, after hearing claims that the elephants taken from the state to Tamil Nadu were being abused.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) released a video alleging that Joymala was being exposed to maltreatment at a Tamil Nadu temple, sparking a significant uproar.
The southern state’s administration took action to refute all charges, nevertheless. In addition, the Tamil Nadu government’s assertions that the jumbo was performing successfully were supported by the environment and forest ministry.
The ministry took to Twitter to write, “Several disturbing videos of Joyamala are being circulated on social media recently, but these videos are old. The latest inspection report issued on the matter shows that the elephant is doing well now and is in healthy condition. The present team taking good care of Joymala.”
Assam’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forest M. K. Yadava has revealed that the Tamil Nadu government acknowledged Joymala’s torture in a letter, but that she is currently in good health.
According to Assam, Joymala and eight other elephants were leased to Tamil Nadu.