Guwahati, September 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Assam Congress President and Lok Sabha member Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday sought detailed records from the state government regarding the transfer of five elephants from Assam to Tamil Nadu, raising questions about their ownership, provenance, official approvals and welfare safeguards during transportation.
In a post on X, Gogoi questioned the circumstances surrounding the transfer, alleging that the process was marked by “hypocrisy and secrecy”. He said wildlife experts and animal welfare organisations had also expressed concerns over the movement of the elephants.
Gogoi sought clarification on whether the elephants had been donated, purchased or transferred under any other arrangement. In case of a financial transaction, he demanded disclosure of the amount paid and the identities of the parties involved.
The Congress leader also asked who initiated the transfer process and what criteria were used to select the five elephants.
Focusing on two of the elephants, ‘Durga’ and ‘Bijuli’, who are around five years old, Gogoi sought details about their mothers and the documented chain of custody establishing their lawful provenance.
He also questioned the Assam government’s assertion before the court that all necessary clearances for the transfer had been obtained. He demanded that the relevant permissions and approvals be made public and asked whether the transfers had been examined by the High-Powered Committee.
Gogoi further raised concerns over the reported inspection of a facility in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on the same day the transfer was recommended. He questioned whether the destination facility had undergone adequate scrutiny before the elephants were moved.
The Lok Sabha member also sought details of veterinary examinations and animal welfare measures undertaken before and during transportation, including whether all prescribed safeguards had been followed.
Referring to allegations of abuse involving an elephant named ‘Joymala’, Gogoi questioned whether the authorities had taken lessons from the controversy into account while handling the transfer of elephants.
“Elephants are woven into Assam’s culture and heritage. Their movement out of the state must not be shrouded in unanswered questions,” he said.
Gogoi called for the return of the five elephants to Assam and demanded the public disclosure of all records relating to their ownership, age, provenance, permits, clearances, approvals and any payments associated with the transfer.
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