"Opposition vs Support to Killing Elephants: Sharp Difference in Views of Mahants"
A video of a mahout beating an elephant in the elephant enclosure of the Jagannath temple in Ahmedabad has gone viral on social media. In this video, the elephant is seen being hit 19 times with a stick in 43 seconds, which has caused anger among animal lovers.
Clarification from the temple:
Justifying the incident, Mahant Dilip Dasji Maharaj of the Jagannath temple has said, "The mahout beat the elephant to make it understand its language, there was no intention to harm it." He said that such a method is used to control the elephant and this elephant is not an elephant that became uncontrollable during the Rath Yatra.
Jyotinath Maharaj's reaction:
Jyotinath Maharaj strongly condemned the incident and said, "Such cruelty to animals is never acceptable. The government and animal welfare organizations should take immediate action in this matter."
PETA India's demand:
Regarding this incident and the use of elephants during the Rath Yatra, PETA India has written to the Gujarat government demanding a ban on the use of elephants in the procession. Along with this, they have also offered to donate a mechanical elephant.
Conclusion:
This incident has reignited the debate between animal rights and religious traditions. While the temple administration justifies this act, animal rights organizations are demanding an end to such practices. Clear guidelines in this matter have become necessary at the government level.
Article published | Sun | 29 Jun 2025 | 8:24 PM