THRISSUR: The 70 year old tusker Balaraman, owned by Cochin Devaswom Board died due to ill health on Monday. It’s been alleged the tusker was not given proper treatment and care.A few weeks ago Balaraman, which was blind, was undergoing ayurvedic treatment for its paralysed leg during which it suffered burns from the hot oil massage.
Heritage Animal Task Force chairman VK Venkitachalam alleged the tusker died due to inadequate treatment and care.“As per the law, if the elephant isn’t cured after five days of treatment, it should be reported to the Forest Department. The veterinarian who was taking care of Balaraman didn’t do it,” Venkitachalam said.Following complaints, the Forest Department filed a case against the Cochin Devaswom Board secretary and the four mahouts of the tusker.
Balaraman was a prominent tusker that carried the idol of Sree Rama, the main deity of Thriprayar temple, every year for Arattupuzha Pooram.The unique rituals of Arattupuzha pooram like ‘Chaalukuthal’ were done by Balaraman for years. Due to the ill health, in the last Arattupuzha pooram on March 19, another elephant carried the idol.