Mighty elephants begging on roads as buck passes around

Mighty elephants begging on roads as buck passes around
The mighty elephant has been put to begging on the roads of Navi Mumbai. Under the command of their mahouts the giant-size animals have been employed for earning a few paltry bucks.
Rajan Iyer, a resident of JN 4 Type, Sector 10 Vashi says, "I think there are four elephants which are seen roaming on the streets of Vashi. They are usually brought in at crowded places like market, bus stop etc. Either out of fear or concern, people give in generously but if they don't the elephants are commandeered to put their trunk inside vehicles and scare occupants into paying".
Rajan says a bigger problem than that is of controlling the animal in case it goes wild. "No one knows when these giant animals will lose their self-control and go wild. In such a case, even the mahout cannot control the animal. Moreover, police personnel are also not trained to deal with such exigencies".
Another resident V N Ahire adds, "As per law no animals are allowed in urban areas.Therefore, municipal authorities can take action against the mahouts. Why should people, who make animals meant for jungles walk on roads the whole day, not be penalized? "
"When I approached the local policemen to complain against the mahouts he said, 'Sahab woh upar betha hai, hum kya kar sakte hai?' (Sir, he is sitting up there, what can we do?)," says T Ganpathy, a resident.
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation veterinary officer Vaibhav Zunzare informs, "As elephant is a wild animal it is for the Forest department to take action and so we have sent a letter to the concern authority".
Assistant Conservator of Forests VP Patil says, "Yes, I am aware of the fact and have also seen a couple of elephants. We can take the action only if the mahout does not have any ownership certificate and permission to bring elephant to Navi Mumbai. Otherwise we are helpless. It is for the police to take action under the Animal Cruelty Act".
When contacted Vashi senior police inspector Raosaheb Sardesai said, "It is the responsibility of Traffic Police". On being told of Forest Conservator's view on the matter, he said tersely, "Ok, we will look into the matter".
Reliable sources inform that just a week back a joint meeting of the Forest Department and Police authorities was held and in the meeting it was clearly announced that police have full power to take action under Animal Cruelty Act and the Forest department will provide its support.
—Jaspal Singh Naol