Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Monday sought disclosure of records concerning the transfer of five elephants from Assam to Tamil Nadu, raising questions over their ownership, provenance, official clearances and welfare safeguards.
In a post on X, Gogoi alleged “hypocrisy and secrecy” over the movement of the elephants and said wildlife experts and animal welfare organisations had raised concerns about the transfer.
He asked the Assam government to clarify whether the elephants were donated, purchased or acquired through another arrangement. If any payment was involved, he sought details of the amount and the parties involved.
Gogoi also questioned who initiated the transfer and the basis on which the five elephants were selected.
Focusing on two of the elephants, Durga and Bijuli, he said they were around five years old and sought details of their mothers and the documented chain of custody establishing their lawful provenance.
The Congress leader also questioned the Assam government’s submission before the court that all required clearances had been obtained. He asked that the clearances be made public and sought clarification on whether the High-Powered Committee had reviewed the transfers.
Gogoi further raised questions over a reported inspection of a facility in Madurai on the same day the transfer was recommended, asking whether the facility and the proposed movement had undergone adequate scrutiny.
He also sought information on whether all prescribed veterinary and animal welfare safeguards were followed while the elephants were being transported.
Referring to allegations of abuse involving elephant Joymala, Gogoi questioned whether authorities had drawn lessons from that case.
“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 five elephants to be brought back to Assam and demanded public disclosure of records concerning their ownership, age, provenance, permits, clearances, approvals and payments.
