Sun Nov 24 14:40:15 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu Government Assures Adequate Elephant Care After Fatal Attack

**Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu –** Following the tragic death of an assistant mahout and a relative after being trampled by a temple elephant in Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister P.K. Sekar Babu has affirmed that the state government is providing sufficient care for all temple elephants and that rejuvenation camps are unnecessary.

Minister Babu visited the Tiruchendur Sri Subramanian Swamy temple on Sunday, where he inspected Deivanai, the elephant involved in the incident on November 18th. He stated that the government is providing comprehensive care, including regular veterinary checkups, monitoring of diet and exercise, and the construction of specialized showering facilities for the animals. He cited the recent case of a Madurai temple elephant receiving specialized eye care from Danish experts as an example of the government’s commitment.

The minister also announced that ₹5 lakh (approximately $6,000 USD) has been provided to the families of both victims, from a combination of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, the HR&CE Department, and the temple’s funds. Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi and Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan will support the education of the victims’ children.

Minister Babu emphasized the sentimental attachment devotees have to temple elephants and reiterated the government’s pledge to provide continued, enhanced care. The visit included several officials, including the HR&CE Commissioner and the Thoothukudi Collector.

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