Protests fail to stop transfer of Hampi elephant

Hampi (Vijayanagara): Amid emotional scenes and mounting public opposition, the Vijayanagara district administration and Muzrai department shifted Lakshmi, the temple elephant of the Virupaksha Temple, to an elephant treatment and rehabilitation centre in Kolar during a late-night operation on Wednesday.The relocation was carried out at around 1 am under heavy police security after protests against the move intensified through the day. Officials transported Lakshmi in a specially arranged truck to Kolar for medical treatment and specialised care. The move came amid strong resentment from devotees and locals, many of whom argued that Lakshmi was an inseparable part of Hampi’s temple traditions and cultural identity. Protesters staged demonstrations in the town earlier on Wednesday demanding that the elephant not be shifted out of Hampi.A social media campaign opposing the transfer has also been gaining momentum, with devotees expressing concern over separating the elephant from the temple town. Responding to the protests and public concern over the relocation, deputy commissioner Kavitha S Mannikeri later clarified that Lakshmi was shifted after signs of deterioration in her health were noticed.She said the elephant had been suffering from leg-related ailments and other health complications, and that the stone-paved terrain of Hampi was reportedly aggravating her condition. The DC said Lakshmi would require special care for nearly three months at the Kolar facility and would be brought back once her health improves.The departure turned highly emotional as the mahouts’ family, who cared for Lakshmi like their own child for several years, broke down in tears before the elephant was taken away. Clinging tightly to Lakshmi’s trunk, they wept inconsolably, leaving many onlookers deeply moved. Rituals and prayers were performed before the elephant was loaded onto the vehicle. SP Jahnavi S supervised tight security arrangements to ensure that no untoward incidents took place during the relocation process.