Puttur: Laxmisha, Elephant Goes Berserk in Uppinangady; Kills mahout

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Puttur, 04 Jan 2012: The home-reared young elephant known fondly as Laxmisha killed its mahout (handler) at Uppinangady, near here on Wednesday January 3.  Laxmisha was known to throw tantrums even in the past, but it’s the first time Laxmisha killed its handler who was known to mercilessly torture in order to extract more labour.

 
Laxmisha was first reared by Swami Laxmivarateerta of Shiroor mutt in Udupi and has been chained since 15 years.

 

Laxmisha turned wild and roamed the main streets of Udupi on April 3 2003, in search of its handler who was known to torture mercilessly.  However, it was brought under control by the veterinary doctors and once again chained and sent to Sakrebail, in Shimoga district - the state-owned training sanctuary for wild elephants.  It was later bought by a progressive farmer to transport timber at Beltangady. 

 
After the incident, Laxmisha was transported to Nagarahole national sanctuary from here on Wednesday night, till his tempers return to normal.