Agartala: Two elephants died within four days in Tripura’s Unakoti and North districts, triggering outrage among animal lovers and rights activists amid allegations of medical negligence and illegal trafficking practices.Wildlife officials said the first death was reported on April 8 in the Andhar Chhara area of Pecharthal in Unakoti district, where a 14-year-old elephant died after suffering from malnutrition since birth. The elephant, owned by Sudhir Nath, allegedly did not receive proper treatment.On April 10, a second elephant, a 45-year-old female, died at Thanda Chhara near the Unakoti hills under similar circumstances.Activists and residents alleged the elephants were procured through out-of-state agencies under questionable arrangements, with plans to move them to Gujarat. While the sale of elephants is prohibited, the transfers are alleged to be carried out using ‘donation deeds’ (Danpatra).Officials flagged concerns over the animals’ welfare during transit and while being held, citing reports of inadequate food and care. Caretakers have also been accused of negligence, with allegations that starvation contributed to the deaths.Locals alleged that in Andhar Chhara, at least five more elephants are in critical condition, warning of more deaths without urgent intervention. The incidents have also renewed complaints from local elephant owners who claim the forest department is denying them legitimate ownership paperwork.Animal rights activist Kuntala Sinha said legal action would follow if immediate steps are not taken, and called for adequate food and protection for the remaining animals.
