GUWAHATI: In a successful attempt to curb illegal trading of wildlife animal parts, the Government Railway Police (GRP) seized a staggering 2.3kg elephant tusk at Kamakhya Railway Station in Guwahati on Tuesday. The illicit item was found in possession of one arrested Sanjeev Joshi during a search operation on the Guwahati-bound Lachit Express. The estimated market value of the seized tusk ranges between Rs 8 to 10 lakh.
Reports in the local press informed that the search operation was a routine exercise against the illegal wildlife trade and the arrest of Joshi is expected to serves as a pivotal development in dismantling the networks responsible for trafficking animal parts.
Earlier on August 18, authorities from Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary had conducted a raid in Laharighat, Assam leading to the seizure of another elephant tusk, weighing approximately 2.5kg, at the residence of one Asmat Ali. The consistent recurrence of such seizures highlights the unwavering resolve of the authorities in curbing wildlife crime.
Meanwhile, India’s eldest domestic Asiatic elephant passed away on Monday at the remarkable age of 89, within the precincts of Assam’s Sonitpur district, according to officials.
The venerable pachyderm, affectionately known as Bijuli Prasad, drew his final breath around 3:30 am at The Williamson Magor Group’s Behali tea estate. The culmination of his long and distinguished journey was attributed to age-related concerns, as disclosed by authorities.
“Bijuli Prasad stood as a cherished emblem of pride for The Williamson Magor Group. Initially introduced to the Bargang tea estate as a young calf, he later found his home here after the company divested the Bargang tea estate,” disclosed a spokesperson from the tea garden.
The elephant, thought to be around 89 years old, spent his post-retirement years leading a regal existence on the premises of the tea estate.
