Dying elephant dead, nature steps in to end debate over mercy killing

She was supposed to die on September 29, but the mercy killing was put off following angry protests.

She was supposed to die on September 29, but the mercy killing was put off following angry protests. Three days later, Arundhati, the 80-year-old elephant at Rajaji National Park, is dead.

Uttarakhand Chief Wildlife Warden Shrikant Chandola confirmed that Arundhati had died a natural death on Tuesday night. “It is sad that Arundhati died naturally tonight. The post-mortem examination will be done tomorrow morning,” he said.

The Sunday Express had reported how Arundhati’s cause had become an emotional issue for locals here. A fortnight back, the elephant suffered multiple fractures in her right foot after falling into a swamp. As her condition began to deteriorate, forest officials had ordered her mercy killing.

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But both locals and the NGO, People for Animals, pleaded against the order. Many visitors thronged to see her, offering food and even “Gangajal”. In the last two days, Arundhati’s condition had worsened as she refused to eat anything.

“We have been camping near the animal for the past five days. Arundhati died tonight due to the callousness of the forest and wildlife authorities,” said Rahul Aggarwal, a member of People for Animals.