Mysuru Dasara: Forest Minister Says Elephant Choice After Training; Hanur Probe Split

Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Friday said that the elephant to carry the golden howdah (Ambari) during this year's Vijayadashami procession in Mysuru will be selected by Forest Department officials after the ongoing training of the animals is completed.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Mr. Reddy confirmed that Abhimanyu, who had carried the howdah for the last six years, has been retired from Dasara duties after turning 60. The first batch of nine elephants arrived at Mysuru Palace on Friday, and the final choice will be made based on their performance during training.

In a separate development, the minister addressed questions about the recent encounter in Hanur that led to the death of three persons. He said the Forest Department will investigate violations of the Wildlife Act, while the state government has handed over the probe into the disturbances that followed the incident to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The CID will look into the destruction of anti-poaching camps, damage to Forest Department buildings, and the torching of vehicles after the encounter. Mr. Reddy clarified that a magisterial probe ordered by the Deputy Commissioner of Chamarajanagar is a separate exercise; its report will go to the Chief Secretary and then to the Chief Minister.

Responding to concerns about the safety of forest personnel, the minister said there was no need for them to be afraid and assured them of protection. He said he had spoken to the Deputy Inspector General of Police and the Superintendent of Police to ensure their security. "If the world is to survive, forests must survive," he added, urging that Forest Department staff should not cause any inconvenience to the public.