A SINKING PACHYDERM CRIES IN VAIN;

Madikeri February 9, 2006

It is a deadly plight of a tusker. The tusker seen in the picture was badly wounded by another rogue elephant in a fight, a fortnight ago at Hebbale near Thithimathi forest range.

The once strong and sturdy tusker is suffering from inflammation caused due to soaring wounds. Wreathing in pain, it is cooling itself in the slushy water of a pond every day since about ten days to escape from the itching and pain. The residents living around have been watching the elephant every day, which is leaving the pond only after dusk.

The estate workers and children are however afraid of the tuskar which might charge at them any day. They stated that the forest officials are only trying to push it into the reserve forest and are not trying to treat it or so. They have two fears; one, it will re enter the pond to cool itsef. Secondly it may die due to infection and cause damage to human life before dying.

ILLICIT LIQUOR, UNIT SEIZED;

Somwarpet police and excise department raided a unit manufacturing spurious liquor, seized the machinery, spirit and arrested a person in this connection.

The sleuths raided an old house at gopalpur near Shanivarsanthe yesterday and seized illicit liquor with brand names valued over rupees five lakh.

Though the house was raided by breaking open the doors of the house, main accused involved in the racket, Mahesh, son of a bank employee was taken to custody.

Sleuths suspect a huge racket and are looking for other persons involved in the trade.