Shaktiman battles it out, will stand again soon, say doctors

Dehradun: Shaktiman’s leg injury had sparked outrage across the country as reports emerged that he may lose his limb and even his job. But seems like the police horse is a fighter and will soon be back on his feet. Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) MLA Ganesh Joshi had allegedly attacked the 14-year-old horse during an anti-Congress protest in Dehradun on Monday. Doctors feared that his leg would have to be amputated.

However, after a four-and-a-half-hour long operation by a group of 10 doctors, Shaktiman showed positive signs of recovery. The district administration too left no stone unturned to tend to the injured mammal.

Read: BJP MLA accused of breaking horse’s leg cries foul, new video supports claim

A police officer said Shaktiman had got multiple fractures, which were fixed by external fixation by a group of 10 doctors — six from Pantnagar and four district veterinary officers. "The horse needs a lot of care against acute pain and protection from infection. Doctors have given instructions to our staff, who are monitoring Shaktiman constantly. At present, Shaktiman is under the influence of anaesthesia, and we are praying for his speedy recovery," he said.

Doctors said that he would soon be able to walk properly in two months and does not need to be amputated.

"The multiple-fracture is in the left hind leg of the horse's metatarsal bone. We have fixed the bone with external immobilising device, in which we cast pins through drilling and support it by external fixator," Chief Veterinary Officer, Dehradun, Dr. Negi said.

BJP workers charged towards Shaktiman during their protest, following which he had collapsed. (Photo: ANI/Twitter)

Meanwhile, Joshi, who has been booked for beating the horse, cried foul, saying he was nowhere near the animal when it got injured.

The MLA from Mussoorie said that it was an effort to spread misinformation and malign his reputation.

The Dehradun Police had on Tuesday registered a case against Joshi for beating Shaktiman, reportedly breaking one of its legs, during a protest against Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Monday for "misuse" of funds.

The protest took a violent turn when, in a bid to dismount the rider, the protesters allegedly charged at Shaktiman with sticks and broke his leg. However, Joshi is insistent that he cannot be seen in the video where Shaktiman is seen collapsing.

Ganesh Joshi claimed he loved animals and even owns a dog. He offered to pay for Shaktiman's treatment and went as far as saying he wanted to adopt the horse.