Need to release better and more effective Circulars to prevent abuse of Elephants under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 in entire MAHARASHTRA State -----PAWS-Mumbai

To,
Shri. Praveen Pardeshi Ji – IAS
Principal Secretary Forest – Govt. of Maharashtra
Mantralaya, Vidhan Bahvan Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400 032. 022 22023363
...
Shri S.W.H.Naqvi Ji - IFS
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests - Head of Forest Force : M.S., Nagpur
3rd Floor, "Van Bhanvan", Ramgiri Road, Civil Lines, Nagur - 440 001. 0712 2550670

Shri Sarjan Bhagat Ji - IFS
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests – Wildlife : M.S., Nagpur
3rd Floor, "Van Bhanvan", Ramgiri Road, Civil Lines, Nagur - 440 001. 0712 2549563

Subject : Need to release better and more effective Circulars to prevent abuse of Elephants under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 in entire MAHARASHTRA State.

Reference :
Circular No. : D-8(4)/WLP/OW/128/07-08, Thane 400 603, Dated : 24/7/2007, Issued by the Chief Conservator of Forests – Thane
Circular Dated : 28th October 2013, Issued by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) West Region

Respected Sir,

This is to bring to your notice that the above two Circulars are greatly flawed. The following flaws have been noticed due to which the owners / handlers etc. of Elephants exploit the loop-holes to abuse them and gain monetarily, thus evading prosecution. The Indian Elephant is listed at S. N. 12-B in Schedule – 1 of The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2002 and elephant is also a largest herbivorous animal.

The flaws noticed in these two Circulars are :
a. The Circulars restrict the jurisdiction of abuse to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane. (The jurisdiction needs to be extended to entire Maharashtra or if the issuing authority is of a Particular Region or CCF Area, then it should cover that entire Region or CCF Area.)

b. There is no provision for penalty for the law-breakers mentioned in the Circulars. The exact Sections of the law (Section 2(7A) read with Section 2 (39) 38H, 43 and 42 of Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2002; Wildlife Protection Act 1972; Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Transport of Animals on Foot) Rules 2001; Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960; Performing Animals Rules, 1973 & 2001; Indian Penal Code 1860., etc) which get violated and the resultant penalty needs to be mentioned in the Circulars.

c. Instructions need to be given to check-posts (of vehicular and of Forest Dept.) to be vigilant and thus ensure that no such transition of Elephants is permitted from one area to another.

d. Accountability needs to be well-defined upon every law-enforcer (i.e. Range Forest Officer, Guards at Forest Check Post, Round Officers and up to the Chief Conservator of concerned region, if they fail to detect such violations or fail to act upon such violations when brought to their notice by animal lovers or concerned citizens.

e. All permissions needed for display, performance in circus or otherwise, transition, for joy-rides, display in temples etc. need to be checked by the concerned law-enforcers before any other permissions are granted by the Forest Depts. ( That is the co-ordination between various authorities concerned to animal / wildlife – Police, Forest Check Post Staff, Animal Welfare Board of India, Officers of Conservators of Forests etc. needs to be fine-tuned in order to ensure that no loop-holes are exploited by the law-breakers to cause distress and abuse of Elephants).

f. The Circulars needs to mention the Helpline Nos., Addresses and E-mail ids of law-enforcers which citizens can avail of when they notice abuse of Elephants.

g. Every Circular should have the Department rubber Stamp, Phone Nos., Postal Address and E-mail id mentioned in the Circular so as to make it authentic.

h. The Circulars need to be widely circulated and displayed via various offices of the law-enforcement Departments and also prominently displayed on the Department websites for easy access for the citizens.

i. All law-enforcement Departments should be directed to promptly take cognizance of complaints of Elephant abuse and should act immediately upon them so as to act as a deterrent for the law-violators.

Sir, co-ordination Committee should be instituted comprising of Police, Forest Officers and NGO representatives at regional and State and CCF level to ensure that law-enforcement is promptly done, failing which appropriate action is initiated against the concerned officers for dereliction of duty and non-implementation of laws.

Please note if really prompt action would have been taken on the above two Circulars, then abuse and deaths of Elephants such as Roopkali, Bijlee - Ramu etc. would have been prevented.

So once again we request you to kindly ensure that your good office and the various subordinate Departments under the Forest Department issue foolproof Circulars so as to ensure zero abuse of Elephants and other animals.

We would appreciate if you could inform us of the action taken on our above suggestions so that your proactive actions are promptly communicated to other animal welfare organisations and concerned citizens.

Thanking you.

In the service of animals and environment,

For Plant & Animals Welfare Society –  Mumbai 

Sunish Subramanian Kunju (Secretary)

Editor : Plant & Animal Voice
Hony. Animal Welfare Officer : Animal Welfare Board of India (Govt. of India)
Hony. Animal Welfare Officer : Committee to Monitor Animal Welfare Laws in Maharashtra

Attached : Copy of both the circulars

Copy to :

1. Shri. Patangrao Kadam Ji - Hon. Minister of Forest, Govt. of Maharashtra, Mumbai.
Mantralaya, Vidhan Bahvan Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400 032.

2. Shri. Chaitanya Murti Ji - Asst. Inspector General of Forests (Project Elephant) & CPIO, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Room No. 414, Block-3, CGO Complex, New Delhi-110003.

3. Secretary, Animal Welfare Board of India, 13/1, Third Seaward Road, Valmiki Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai- 600 041, T. N.

PAWS-Mumbai Letter to Chief Conservator of Forests - Thane in regards to Cruelty on Elephants in the state of Maharashtra by private owned Elephants owners who bring the Elephants from other states. Demand Total Banning of Elephants into the limit of CCF Thane with immediate effect by implementation of Existing Animal Welfare Laws as per our Constitution of India

To,

Chief Conservator of Forests - Thane

Van Bhavan, Bara Bungalows Area, Near Microwave Tower,

Kopri Colony, Thane (East), Thane – 400 603

 

Subject           :          Cruelty on Elephants in the state of Maharashtra by private owned Elephants owners who bring the Elephants from other states. Demand Total Banning of Elephants into the limit of CCF Thane with immediate effect by implementation of Existing Animal Welfare Laws as per our Constitution of India 

 

Dear Sir,

 

Our father of nation Mahatma Gandhi said “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” and we Indian believe Elephant as a God, but recent death of “Bijli / Ramu” elephant in Mulund, Mumbai (Maharashtra) which we strongly believe is due to use of elephants on streets, crowded area, joy rides, use in marriage ceremonies and other commercial purpose by their owner without any proper diet & health care. Bijli is not the first Elephant who has died, in 2006, an elephant “Roopkali / Laskhmi” too died after being hit by speeding water tanker on the streets of Chembur, Mumbai (Maharashtra).
 

The Indian Elephant is listed at S. No. 12-B in Schedule – 1 of The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2002. As in Maharashtra there are not habitats for elephants, so they are brought to CCF Thane from other states by road ways on foot. Such elephants are taken away from their natural habitats and forcibly separated from their parents at young age and thus illegally (maybe legally) brought to towns for commercial purposes. Can they be given requisite permissions like ownership certificate & transit permit by Forest Department and allowed to bring to towns for commercial purpose? We strongly believe not a single elephants in CCF Thane is covered by Elephant Insurance Policy nor having Certificate of Implantation of Microchip which is the duty of Forest Department to track the movement of such animals and even not have any data base of the elephants owned by private people too. No forest check post staff is keeping a watch of Elephants which are coming into CCF Thane AREA from other State.

We learned that all Elephants owners have failed to provide elephant sufficient food, water or shelter as most of the elephants are seen resting under bridge, side of roads at night or other public place and even failing to provide health care because in CCF Thane Area there is No Private or Animal Husbandry Veterinary Doctor who can treat elephants. Elephants are not given sufficient exercise too. Such walking on town’s streets for food and money cannot surly be called “exercise”. In CCF Thane Area, Elephant become money making business equipment for their owners and 2009 PAWS-Mumbai written a Suggestion letters to all the law enforcement authority but not received any response from them. If timely action have been taken against this private owners we have possible to see “Bijli / Ramu” and “Roopkali / Laskhmi” alive.

Above all the activities carried out by these owners are violating various animal welfare laws like Section 2(7A) read with Section 2 (39) 38H, 43 and 42 of Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2002; Wildlife Protection Act 1972; Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Transport of Animals on Foot) Rules 2001; Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960; Performing Animals Rules, 1973 & 2001; Indian Penal Code 1860. But even after compliant to the Officers of Forest Department not action are been take against the owners.

So, we as a citizen of India and animal welfare / rights organisation, demand to you as a HEAD of law enforcement authority to TOTAL BAN on Elephants (include bringing for festivals) transit into the limit of CCF Thane with immediate effect by implementation of the existing laws as per our Constitution of India. It’s time we common citizen, public representative and our future citizen student and youths should come forward to SAVE JUMBO.

Our observation …..…

Ø  The Elephants are made to walk for long distance without adequate food and water on Tar road.

Ø  The Elephants are made to walk long distance at night time too.

Ø  The Elephants cause traffic jam while they are being taken from one place to another.

Ø  The noise due to vehicular traffic and crackers increase the stress levels of the Elephants.

Ø  The Elephants do not get proper medical treatment by their handler when they become sick or injured.

Ø  Minor children are made to sit over Elephants and beg along with these animals.

Ø  It is hazardous to make the Elephants walk in public as they may come in “Musth”, thus risking the life and property of citizen.

Ø  The handlers / owners of the Elephants themselves are poor. Thus it is very unlikely that they would be able to feed or taken proper care of these meg-herbivores who require adequate food and medication to live well.

Ø  The owner sells the tail hairs as good – luck charms.

Ø  It’s seen the Forest Department have no control over private owned elephant owner.

Our suggestion ……..

Ø  Direct the Police, Local Forest Staff to take appropriate penal action against the violator, handlers or owners of these animals.

Ø  Ensure that ownership license of the handlers or owners are revoked. 

Ø  Constitute an Elephant Welfare Committee (comprising of Police, Forest officials and representative of animal welfare organizations) who would direct a team of Elephant handlers to transfer apprehended animals to hospitals / wildlife parks / Elephants Camps.

Ø  Expert “Mahouts” be made to take care of these apprehended Elephants in the National Parks / Wildlife Sanctuaries and paid for the same.

Ø  Direct the Police Commissioner and Chief Conservator of Forests to educate all their subordinates about the laws concerning the welfare and Elephants and other animals.

Ø  Make the officials manning the various check-posts (of Police, BMC and Forest Departments) to prevent entry of unauthorized animals into city limit.

Ø  Seize the elephants which are made to beg on the streets and transfer them to the nearest forest (such as “Sanjay Gandhi National Parks” etc.). The mahout can be sent with elephant and use it for patrolling, tourism etc. The mahout would be better off in such National Parks as they would not have to walk on our tarred/ concrete roads and also that they would be taken care of by the medical team of such Parks.

Ø  Kindly ensure that mahout should given some sort of employment as per their expertise in the forest or elsewhere. They could be given the job of care and welfare of such elephants.

Ø  Funding of such “elephant camp” in National Parks should be funded by Project Elephants / Central Zoo Authority (CZA) / State Forest Department.

In the larger interest of the mute and suffering animals, we request you as a Head of law enforcement authority to take urgent steps to prevent abuse and ill-treatment of such animals. If timely action will not taken from your side in future we have to see more “Bijli / Ramu” and “Roopkali / Laskhmi” dying on streets of Maharashtra.

Abhijeet Rane                                                            
Patron & Member Advisory Board                         
Plant & Animals Welfare Society - Mumbai          
President : Abhijeet Rane Youth Foundation          

Sunish Subramanian Kunju    
Founder & Secretary : PAWS-Mumbai 
Hony. Animal Welfare Officer : AWBI    
Editor : Plant & Animal Voice               

Document attached :

1.               Copy of Animal Welfare Laws Leaflet . Page 11 - 12

2.                 Photographs showing real fact condition of elephants in Maharashtra . Page 2, 4, 6 3.               Copy of Complaint letters . Page

4.               Copy of Suggestion letters . Page

5.               Copy of Letter received from Central Zoo Authority  . Page

6.               Copy of Letter send by Animal Welfare Board of India . Page

7.               Copy of Letter send by Hon’ble Justice Shri. C.S. Dharmahikari (Chairman) Committee to Monitor Animal Welfare Laws in Maharashtra, Appointed by Hon. The Bombay High Court . Page

8.               Newspaper clippings . Page

PAWS-Mumbai demanded total banning of Elephants in the Jurisdiction of CCF Thane and demanded an FIR against Sabhashankar B. Pandey private owner of 2 Elephants

Thursday, October 17, 2013 | Thane :

Plant & Animals Welfare Society – Mumbai team lead by Social Activist Abhhijeet Rane and Animal Activist Sunish Subramanian Kunju meet Chief Conservator of Forests – Thane Shri. K. P. Singh (IFS) to submit SAVE JUMBO Citizen Report along with Protest Letter from Member of Parliament Shri. Sanjay Dina Patil, Shri. Sanjay Nirupam and Shri. Sanjeev Ganesh Naik, Member of Legislative Assembly Shri. Krishna Hegde, Maharashtra Legislative Council Shri. Charan Singh Sapra, Municipal Councilor Shri. Pravin Chheda, NGO’s Parivartan Pratishthan, Abhijeet Rane Youth Foundation and Ankur Pratishthan, Dhadak Kamgar Union and with 100 letters from animal lovers across the citizen demanding total banning of Elephants into the limit of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane and entire Jurisdiction of CCF Thane with immediate effect by implementation of Existing Animal Welfare Laws as per our Constitution of India. There was 30 minutes discussion on the various the issue in the presence of Deputy Conservator of Forests- Thane Shri. Anwar Ahmed and Divisional Forest Officer – Vigilence Shri. H. G. Dhumal. PAWS-Mumbai also requested to register FIR/ Action against owner of 2 Elephants (Laxmi – Female – Age 25 Years and Rupkali – Female – Age 30 Years) Mr. Sabhashankar B. Pandey under Wildlife (Protection) Act for been seen violating the laws by using the elephants for begging with any proper care. 

Visit : www.savejumbo.blogspot.com | Join : www.facebook.com/savejumbo

For more information please call Mr. Sunish Subramanian Kunju (Secretary : Plant & Animals Welfare Society - Mumbai | Hony. Animal Welfare Officer : Animal Welfare Board of India) on +91 9833480388.

More Photographs

Specail THANKS to Animal Welfare of India & Committee to Monitor Animal Welfare Laws in Maharashtra

On 26 July 2013, Plant & Animals Welfare Society - Mumbai office written a letters to Animal Welfare of India (Letter No.: PAWS-Mumbai/SJ-BE/65-2013) & Committee to Monitor Animal Welfare Laws in Maharashtra (Letter No.: PAWS-Mumbai/SJ-BE/66-2013) to inform them about Elephants Laxmi's Ownership Certificate Cancelled & it has been shifted by Forest Department to rehabilitation center at Mathura. As PAWS-Mumbai taken-up this issue with AWBI later the Secretary of Board have personally spoken to officers of Forest Department and event send the letters to them in regards to Bijli-Rame and Laxmi issue and event Committee to Monitor Animal Welfare Laws in Maharashtra have send the strong letter to Deputy Conservator of Forest - Thane.

The brief letter written by PAWS-Mumbai ……………………….

PAWS-Mumbai Letter
to AWBI

PAWS-Mumbai Letter
to Committee

 On 26 July 2013 after 60 years elephant Bijli -Ramu which is regularly seen using for begging in areas between Powai to Thane met with accident and was fighting for survival finally end her hope after 19 days on 30^th June and the same owner  Rati Ram Goswami resident of Mulund West, Mumbai having another elephant Laxmi was also not taken proper care and using it for commercial purpose of begging without any proper food, shelter and medical care.  

Plant & Animals Welfare Society - Mumbai (PAWS-Mumbai) taken up this issue various officers from Forest Department like Principal Secretary Forests - Government of Maharashtra, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Nagpur, Chief Conservator of Forests - Thane, Deputy Conservator of Forests (T-Thane), Range Forest Officer - Mumbai and after continues follow-up with various other authority like Animal Welfare Board of India, Committee to Monitor Animal Welfare Laws in Maharashtra and even meet Maharashtra Minister of Forest Dr. Patangrao Kadam. Later the ownership certificate of Laxmi was cancelled by Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, Thane Forest Department has taken the custody of the Elephant Laxmi along with Mahouts and kept at Thane. On 26^th July at night it has been shifted by Forest Department to rehabilitation center at Mathura in truck with police protection.

 

We PAWS-Mumbai thank you Justice Shri C. S. Dharmadhikari Ji, Dr. R.M. Kharb, Dr. Chinny Krishna, Smt. Uma Rani and Shri. Rajendra K. Joshi Ji for supporting us in this issue, it feed very bad that we have not possible to save Bijli-Ramu but finally we have success in give a happy life to Laxmi. And this fight / movement to "Save Jumbo" will not stop till we success in total banning, for the same we need your same support, guidance ad blessing in future too.

 

NOTE : To view larger image please double click on it

PAWS-Mumbai request AWBI & Committee to direst CCF Thane & DCF Zone VII to register the case against owner and shift the other elephant LAXMI to rehabilitation Center or Hospital

RIP Laxmi

Save Laxmi

On 30 June 2013, after the death of Bijli, Plant & Animals Welfare Society – Mumbai have written a letters to Animal Welfare Board of India (PAWS-Mumbai Letter No. PAWS-Mumbai/PC-BE/51-2013) and Committee to Monitor Animal Welfare Laws in Maharashtra (PAWS-Mumbai Letter No. PAWS-Mumbai/PC-BE/52-2013) in which PAWS-Mumbai have request the both the authority to look into the issue and do something to save the other elephant LAXMI which is in the custody of same owner Rati Ram Goswami.

Brief Letter of Committee ……………..

Copy of PAWS-Mumbai
Letter to AWBI

Copy of PAWS-Mumbai
Letter to Committee

Today early morning 60 years female elephant Bijli fighting for survival finally end her hope. RIP

Since June 28, 2013 Bijli’s is in critical condition……………

Bijli’s Kidneys are not functioning properly,

Bijli had got fatigue,

Bijli have maggot wound all her body including leg,

Bijli have joint disease too.

Bijli is 2^nd Elephant died due to forest department not taken timely step to stop the illegal commercial activities of the Elephant owners in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai& Thane area. It’s time the owner of the Bijli should throw behind bars.

Plant & Animals Welfare Society – Mumbai (PAWS-Mumbai) have lodged a written complaint with Mulund Police and Mumbai Range Forests Office but till now no action has been taken or given any response to the complaint.

After a long age of work without any proper food, health care, shelter the animal die helplessly and the law enforcement authority’s like forest and police not taking any interest in legal action against the cruel owners. We at PAWS-Mumbai request you to kindly do something as the same owner have one more elephant, which is also not in good health condition. The only question is coming in everyone’s mind is that “How many more Elephant Life do this authorities want, to open their eyes”.

So we request you to kindly (direct CCF Thane & DCP Zone VII to register the case against the owner with immediate effect and shift the other elephant to isolated area like rehabilitation Center or hospital by Forest Department) look into the issue and do the needful help in the interest of the mute and un-complaining animals. Kindly inform us about your action on this issue from your side.

NOTE : To view larger image please double click on it 

PAWS-Mumbai activist meet Maharashtra Forest Minister and demanded to provide urgent medical aid from the side of Forest Department to 60 yrs old elephant Bijli

Maharashtra Hon. Minister of Forest Dr. Patangrao Kadam
receiving DEMAND LETTER from PAWS-Mumbai Activist

On 19th June 2013, Plant & Animals Welfare Society – Mumbai (PAWS-Mumbai) activist Shri Abhijeet Rane (Patron & Advisory Board Member) & Sunish Subramanian (Secretary) meet Hon. Minister of Forest , Govt. of Maharashtra Dr . Patangrao Kadam and demanded to provide urgent medical aid from the side of Forest Department to 60 yrs old elephant Bijli who is fighting for survival at Mulund, Mumbai and to lodge FIR against the owner for the cruelty act.  Total ban of elephants in the city which are been use for begging and other commercial purpose which openly violating the laws.
In the letter PAWS-Mumbai written ...................

Copy of PAWS-Mumbai Letter to Hon.
Minister of Forest Dr. Patangrao Kadam

Plant & Animals Welfare Society – Mumbai (PAWS-Mumbai) already send to you by courier on 18 June 2013, as its very urgent issue because a 60 years old elephant named Bijli is fighting for survival in Mulund, Mumbai.  And same owner having another elephant which is now also been used for begging, photographs of the same attached. We request you to kindly direct the law enforcement agency to lodge an FIR on the bases of our complaint against elephants owner at Mulund, Mumbai. Immediately provide Medical Help from the side of Forest department to Bijli.

In past we have written many complaints about this issue but we have never received any response from any of the authority. It’s not first time but in past (year 2006) a 25 years old female elephant named Laxmi was injured in a road accident and later died . We as an Animal Welfare Organisation had given some suggestion to Forest Department too in this regarding how we can solve this issue.



I will direct Principal Secretary
of Forests to look into this issue
said Hon. Minister of Forest
Dr. Patangrao Kadam

It seen that even after many complaints by both citizen and animal welfare organization against many elephants been used for begging or commercial purpose which is violating various laws of animal welfare then to no action are been taken against the owners. It is clear that bringing elephant is city is itself illegal as per Circular No.D-8(4)/WLP/OW / 128/07-08, Thane 400 603, Dated 24/7/2007 of Chief Conservator of Forest Thane.


PAWS-Mumbai Activist Sunish Subramanian
 Kunju explaining about the issue to
Hon. Minister of Forest Maharashtra
Dr. Patangrao Kadam

We seen that most owners of the elephants are not having proper documentation like Ownership Certificate, Transit Permit, Medical Fitness Certificate from and authorized Veterinarian, Certificate of Implantation of Microchip, Elephant Insurance Policy, etc.

 

So we request you to kindly look into the issue and do the needful help in the interest of the mute and un-complaining animals.

 

The PAWS-Mumbai Letter is signed by Shri. Abhijeet Rane (Patron & Advisory Board Member) and Sunish Subramanian Kunju (Secretary).



PAWS-Mumbai send written complaint demanding FIR against Rati Ram Goswami, the owner of the elephants (Bijli–Ramu & Laxmi) from Mumbai - Mulund

On 18th June 2013, Plant & Animals Welfare Society - Mumbai (PAWS-Mumbai) office have send an written complaint to Senior Police Inspector - Mulund Police Station and Range Forest Office - Mumbai along with photographs showing real fact condition of both the elephant Bijli-Ramu and Laxmi owned by Rati Ram Goswami, copy of it was forwarded to all the senior law enforcement authorities including Animal Welfare Board of India, Committee to Monitor Animal Welfare Laws in Maharashtra and Dr. Patangrao Kadam - Hon. Minister of Forest, Govt. of Maharashtra.

Despite the order of the Chief Conservator of Forest – Thane vide Circular No.D-8(4)/WLP/OW / 128/ 07-08, Thane 400 603, Dated 24/7/2007, there is widespread usage of Elephants by Goswami for the purpose of begging in Bhandup, Mulund & Thane areas.  Also the two elephants are being neglected and abused.

PAWS-Mumbai also brought to the notice that a moving vehicle had injured one elephant (Bijli) and later the owner made her walk the distance from the accident site to his home. This over-strain made the elephant collapse near the house on the road.

PAWS-Mumbai also the law enforcement authority to ...........

• kindly inspect the documents which prove that two elephants are owned and transported in a legal manner into the city limit which is mandatory as per the law (e.g.  Ownership Certificate, Transit Permit, Medical Fitness Certificate from and authorized Veterinarian, Certificate of Implantation of Microchip, Elephant Insurance Policy, etc.).
• Inspect the availability of space and capability of the owners to keep, nurture, feed and protect the two elephants.
• If it is found that the two elephants are possessed illegally and ill-treated, then kindly seize them and transfer them to animal rehabilitation center.
• On the basis of the investigations done by us and the news-paper reports, photographs etc. we urge you to kindly register an FIR against the owners of the elephants.

PAWS-Mumbai also requested the law enforcement authorities that your inaction on this issue would further endanger the life, safety and well-being of these two wild animals, which could lead to even death.  You being the law-enforcement agency would be liable for punishment if the abuse of these two elephants continue, which please note.

This letter was signed by Sunish Subramanian Kunju, who is Founder & Secretary of Plant & Animals Welfare Society - Mumbai and Hon. Animal Welfare Officer of Animal Welfare Board of India.

Photographs showing real fact condition of both the elephant Bijli-Ramu and Laxmi owned by Rati Ram Goswami

On 11 June 2013 a day after Bijli-Ramu was hit by
a moving vehicle at mulund and the owner Goswami
is cleaning the wound and washing the body
with water without any medical treatment

On 11 June 2013 elephant  Laxmi owned by 
Goswami was seen using for begging near 
Mulund Railway Station - West

On 12 June 2013 later the Bijli -Ramu owner made her walk the
distance from the accident site to his home. This over-strain
made the elephant collapse near the house.



Certificate of Ownership was issued by

Office of the Wildlife Warden, Madhya Pradesh

on Dated 21-5-02 to owner Name : Rati Ram Goswami and

Elephant (Female) Name : Bijli Age : 45 Years