Elephant calf dies after treatment at Doomdooma camp in Assam; Locals allege expired injection

A 13-month-old elephant calf died on Sunday morning, April 19 in the Kumsang Reserved Forest under the Doomdooma Forest Division in Assam’s Tinsukia district, triggering allegations of negligence and a possible nexus involving veterinarians who conducted a free treatment camp.

The calf, named Lakhmini, was reportedly treated a day earlier at a veterinary camp organised in collaboration with Wildlife SOS. Locals have alleged that the animal was administered an expired injection, leading to its death, though officials said the exact cause will be confirmed only after a post-mortem.

Wildlife conservationist Devajit Moran alleged a nexus in the functioning of the NGO. “This is a matter of deep grief. We lost a baby elephant. There is a nexus. The NGO first declares elephants ill and then suggests taking them away for treatment. We do not want such practices here,” he said.

The incident has sparked concern among elephant owners and members of the Moran community, who share strong cultural and emotional ties with the animals.

According to locals, the free treatment camp was held on April 18 in the Talap and Kumsang forest ranges under the supervision of veterinarians associated with Wildlife SOS, in coordination with the Doomdooma Forest Division. Several elephants, including Lakhmini, were brought in for treatment.

“The Forest Division informed us about the camp on April 18. Our elephants were gathered and given injections in the presence of a forest guard. But this morning, we found Lakhmini dead,” the calf’s owner said.

The calf’s mother, Jayamati, has reportedly been in visible distress since the incident, raising further concern among locals.
Residents have accused the NGO and attending veterinarians of negligence and demanded immediate government intervention. “Action must be taken against those responsible and compensation should be provided, otherwise there will be agitation,” a local resident said.

Rajib Moran, president of the All Moran Students’ Union (AMSU), Kakopathar unit, also called for a thorough investigation. “Elephants hold deep emotional significance for our community. If proper steps are not taken, there will be strong protests,” he said.

Forest officials have initiated arrangements for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. However, locals alleged that no senior officials had visited the site till the filing of this report.

Both the Doomdooma Forest Division and Wildlife SOS have not issued any official statement so far.