Care for camel that blocked trains,hunt for owner who let it stray

“There are a few camel owners near the Kelwe beach in Palghar. We are investigating if this camel belonged to any of them,” said T N Shinde,senior police inspector,promising a heavy fine on the owner once he or she is found.

The camel,a male,has been taken to Kalapurna Jivadaya Goshala. “It has minor injuries on its hind legs and its hips are scratched and swollen. But the animal is recovering under treatment. It’s had a severe shock and is under observation,” said Raichand Shah of the trust that runs the centre. Employees with centre added the camel has been eating its fodder,calling it a good sign.

The camel had been spotted around 7.30 pm,near a level crossing,by the driver of the Saurashtra Express leaving Mumbai. “The driver slowed down to about 5 to 10 km per hour and tried to divert the animal to the side. But the frightened camel walked over the railway bridge,slipped and fell. Its legs got stuck,” a local said.

The fire brigade arrived by 8.15 pm; it was 10.35 pm before they could dismantle the switch plates and rescue the animal. Train services on the route resumed after 11 pm and ran normally from Tuesday morning.