Assam Elephant Undergoes Dental Surgery Following Brutal Poaching Attack

Guwahati: A 16-year-old captive elephant named Mangal Singh underwent a specialized dental procedure Wednesday in Margherita, Assam. The bull suffered brutal injuries back in April when suspected poachers hacked off both tusks near their roots in the Dhulijan forest area of Lakhipathar. The attack left the animal with severe bleeding, exposed pulp cavities, and recurring infections. He survived. A multidisciplinary team performed a partial pulpotomy to seal the pulp cavities and prevent further decay.

Wildlife Trust of India veterinarian Bhaskar Choudhury led the operation alongside expert Bhupen Sarma and an orthodontics team from Tinsukia headed by Abhishek Ojha. Other participants included veterinarians Rabi Shankar Choudhury, Bishwajit Barua, and WTI veterinarian Mehedi Hassan. Mehedi Hassan noted the severity of the trauma, stating, "During the initial days following the incident, the elephant remained in critical condition and suffered from severe bleeding. As both tusks had been cut from near the roots, the pulp cavities were left exposed, resulting in persistent infection despite regular monitoring and treatment."

Authorities chose to treat the elephant on-site rather than moving him to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation to avoid added stress. The facility, located near Kaziranga National Park, is run by the Assam Forest Department, WTI, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. While the procedure offers hope for recovery, the case remains an open wound for investigators. Four months have passed since the attack. Police have yet to recover the stolen tusks, and no suspects have been caught. This delay has sparked local frustration regarding the enforcement efforts within the Digboi Forest Division. Bhaskar Choudhury highlighted the brutality of the act and demanded better protection for privately owned elephants.