Conservationist Rohit Choudhury has written to the Supreme Court‑appointed High‑Powered Committee requesting a halt to the relocation of four captive elephants from Assam to Tamil Nadu and a probe into the fifth elephant, Durga, already moved to Madurai. The move seeks to curb illegal elephant trade and protect animal welfare.

  • Rohit Choudhury petitions the High‑Powered Committee to stop the transfer of four elephants from Assam.
  • Five‑year‑old female elephant Durga has already been moved to Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.
  • The letter calls for a thorough investigation into possible illegal sales behind the transfers.

GUWAHATI (The Hindu) – Conservationist Rohit Choudhury has appealed to the Supreme Court‑appointed High‑Powered Committee to halt the relocation of four captive elephants from Assam to Tamil Nadu. The request, sent on September 11, 2026, highlights concerns over legality, purpose, and animal welfare.

The four elephants slated for transfer are Hiralal (8 years, male), Shiva (6 years, male), Rupsing (13 years, male) and Bijuli (5 years, female). Hiralal and Shiva are earmarked for the Arulmigu Arunachaleshwarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, Rupsing for the Sri Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple at Vaitheeswaran Koil, Nagapattinam, and Bijuli for the Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Gajashala in Kanchipuram.

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The fifth elephant, a five‑year‑old female named Durga, has already been transferred to the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple. Choudhury argues that these moves appear to be covert sales rather than genuine conservation transfers.

Historical Background

Assam is home to over 750 privately owned elephants, with more than 300 lacking formal ownership certificates. Over the past decade, a steady stream of elephants has been moved out of Assam under the guise of “captive transfers,” often resulting in permanent relocation or sale. The Tripura High Court previously empowered the High‑Powered Committee to scrutinize such transfers, a mandate later broadened by the Supreme Court.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that unchecked inter‑state transfers threaten not only the welfare of individual elephants but also the broader ecological balance in Assam, where human‑elephant conflict is already a critical issue. A transparent investigation could set a precedent for stricter wildlife trade regulations across India.

"Elephants are priceless in their ecological role, not as commodities," says a leading wildlife expert.
Did You Know?: Approximately 150 elephants die each year in Assam due to human‑elephant conflict, underscoring the urgency of robust protection measures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Do all elephants in Assam have valid ownership documents?
Answer: No, around 40% lack official certificates, making their trade vulnerable to illegal transactions.

Question 2: What actions should the High‑Powered Committee take?
Answer: The committee must verify the legality of the transfers, investigate the elephants’ origins, and ensure their long‑term welfare before any relocation.