Gaurav Gogoi Seeks Records on Transfer of Five Assam Elephants to Tamil Nadu

In a post on X, Gogoi questioned the circumstances surrounding the movement of the elephants and alleged that the process had been marked by “hypocrisy and secrecy”. He said wildlife experts and animal welfare groups had also raised concerns over the transfers.

Gogoi has sought clarification on whether the elephants were donated, purchased or transferred under another arrangement. If money changed hands, he asked the government to disclose the amount involved and the identities of the parties to the transaction.

He also questioned who initiated the transfer and what criteria were used to select the five elephants. Among the animals are Durga and Bijuli, both reportedly around five years old. Gogoi sought details about their mothers and the documented chain of custody establishing their lawful provenance.

The questions come amid ongoing legal scrutiny of the proposed transfers. The Gauhati High Court recently declined to issue an immediate restraint order against the movement of the five elephants, after the Assam government told the court that the required statutory clearances had been obtained. The court, however, kept the matter pending and stressed the importance of safeguarding the animals’ health and preventing unauthorised use.

Gogoi has asked the state government to make the relevant permissions and clearances public and clarify whether the proposed transfers were examined by the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee. The matter has also been brought before that committee, according to court proceedings.

The Congress MP specifically questioned the process surrounding Durga’s transfer to the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai. Court records show that permission for Durga had already been granted, while applications relating to the other four elephants were being processed.

Reports have also raised questions about the timing of the inspection of the Madurai facility. Records cited in media reports indicate that the facility was inspected on September 4, the same day the recommendation for Durga’s interstate transfer was issued. The inspection report reportedly noted that routine health and fitness checks had not yet been recorded at that stage.

Gogoi has sought details of the veterinary examinations conducted before transportation and the welfare safeguards followed during the journey, including whether all prescribed requirements were complied with.

He also referred to the earlier controversy surrounding Joymala, an Assam elephant that was transferred to Tamil Nadu and became the subject of allegations concerning its treatment. The Assam government has separately approached the Gauhati High Court seeking Joymala’s safe return.

“Elephants are woven into Assam’s culture and heritage. Their movement out of the state must not be shrouded in unanswered questions,” Gogoi said.

He has called for the five elephants to be brought back to Assam and demanded public disclosure of documents relating to their ownership, age, provenance, permits, clearances, approvals and any financial transactions associated with their transfer.

The issue remains under judicial consideration. The Gauhati High Court has listed the connected proceedings for further consideration on October 15, while the Assam government has maintained before the court that the necessary clearances for the transfers have been obtained and that appropriate care would be taken during transportation.