Video of elephant being hit at rejuvenation camp goes viral

A video of two mahout purportedly ill-treating an elephant in a camp atThekkampatti, about 50 KMs from here, has gone viral in social media.

Drawing condemnation from the public and wildlife activists, the video taken by a visitor to the elephant rejuvenation camp shows the men with sticks hitting the animal on its legs and it is heard trumpeting in pain.

The elephant, said to be from the Srivilliputhur temple, was tied to a tree and being hit, the video reveals.

When contacted, a source in HR&CE (HIndu Religious and Charitable Endowments) Department which organized the 48-day camp said higher officials too had seen the video and action would be taken after inquiry.