Thiruvananthapuram: Assistant conservator of forest (ACF), Alappuzha, has ordered an enquiry into a group of devotees at Aravukad Devi temple calling a meeting on August 15 to discuss buying an elephant.
“The range officer has been entrusted to file a report on the matter since the sale and ownership transfer violate Kerala Captive Elephant (Management and Maintenance) Rules 2015 and Wild Life Protection Act 1972," ACF Sumi Joseph told DC.
The invitation to the meeting, available with DC, says it was years-long yearning of bhakts for an elephant in place of Rajeevan, who died three decades ago.
"The long-standing dream of devotees in ten karas for an elephant after the demise of Rajeevan is going to be a reality," it says.
The meeting was to be held at No 241 SNDP Yogam Branch Hall Kappakada, Punnachuvady. It invited all villagers to attend it.
Anoop, a devotee part of the campaign, said that they initiated the move after they got the support of people from all ten Karas. "We will raise funds after forming a committee," he said.
"We'll register an organisation called Yuvajana Samithi to fulfil the dream. We hope the temple administration committee to back us."
The meeting, according to him, is the culmination of a months-long online campaign, Chempttanija Desanathakkoru Gajaputhran (An elephant for the deity of motherland clad in red cloth) mobilising youngsters.
"Apart from this, many seniors came in our support. It has boosted our confidence," he said.
Meanwhile, Kishore Kumar, the president of temple administration committee, said it had no role in the campaign. "We've not yet responded positively to their plan," he said.
