Photo Courtesy: nenews
Guwahati: The Centre for Research on Animal Rights is fighting to stop the transfer of five elephants from Assam to Tamil Nadu. The group sent a formal plea to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden. They want Rupsing, Shiva, Hiralal, Durga, and Bijuli to stay put. The current owners claim they can no longer afford to feed the animals.
Alok Hisarwala Gupta, the founder of CRAR, says the state must step up. He wants officials to check if existing Assam facilities have room for the group. "It has recently been reported that a new elephant rescue facility is being established in Assam. There are also other facilities operated or supervised by the Assam Forest Department. A proper inquiry should therefore be undertaken into the capacity of these facilities to receive and care for the five elephants. Every reasonable possibility of retaining and rehabilitating them within Assam should be fully considered," Gupta said.
CRAR is demanding a deep dive into the records of all five animals. This includes age, DNA, microchip data, health history, and how they were acquired. They cite an August 18, 2026, Supreme Court ruling regarding the strict regulation of elephant transport. The group also pointed to the ongoing saga of nine other elephants moved to Tamil Nadu, which is currently tied up in the Gauhati High Court.
Gupta warned against repeating past mistakes. He wants the High-Powered Committee to review the request instead of allowing a move. The organization officially requested that the Assam Forest Department deny any permits, NOCs, or transfer approvals. They want a clear plan for local care delivered to the state authorities immediately. The elephants must stay in Assam.
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