Bitter politics over dead Kerala elephant
Complaint filed against Maneka Gandhi for inciting communal riots
The South Indian state of Kerala pledged to intensify its investigation into the death of a pregnant elephant that ate explosives-filled pineapples, as right-wing lawmakers wrongly blamed a Muslim-majority district as responsible for animal cruelty and cricket and Bollywood stars joined a chorus
The elephant died in agony last week in Kerala, the latest casualty in a growing conflict in South Asia between large animals and humans.
of outrage over the incident.
The elephant died in agony last week in Kerala, the latest casualty in a growing conflict in South Asia between large animals and humans as ever more forest is lost to urban expansion.
Amid the furore, Kerala Forest Minister K Raju said one man has been arrested in Palakkad district — where the elephant died. Police in the adjoining district of Malappuram meanwhile
registered a case under Section 153 of the IPC against BJP leader Maneka Gandhi for her “communal” remarks on the killing of the pregnant elephant.
Gandhi had allegedly gone on record to say that “Mallapuram is known for its intense criminal activity, specially with regards to animals. No action has ever been taken against a single poacher or wildlife killer.” Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan slammed what he said was as an “irresponsible” remark, while a huge furore has erupted in Muslimdominated Malappuram district. Six complaints against Gandhi have been filed with police.
Action
Malappuram Superintendent of Police Abdul Karim said that based on various complaints received, one FIR has been registered against Maneka Gandhi. The section pertains to “wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot”. India’s junior foreign minister V Muraleedharan said yesterday emphasis should be on finding ways to prevent cruelty against animals.