📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Luis Felipe Paulinyi
Crime
Elephant Mangal Singh in Assam Undergoes Critical Dental Surgery After Poachers Cut Off Tusks
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 28 Aug 2026, 09:37 AM
👁 5
Veterinarians in Assam have performed an emergency dental operation on the elephant Mangal Singh after poachers severed his tusks. The procedure aims to prevent infection and restore the animal's health.
The Asian elephant known as Mangal Singh, residing in a wildlife sanctuary in Assam, was found with his tusks brutally hacked off by poachers. Wildlife officials reported the incident late last week, prompting an immediate response from the state forest department and veterinary experts.
A specialized veterinary team was flown in to conduct a critical dental procedure aimed at cleaning the wound, removing damaged tissue, and preventing bacterial infection. The operation, described as delicate and time‑sensitive, lasted several hours under anaesthesia.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the poaching act, emphasizing that illegal hunting of elephants carries severe penalties under the Wildlife Protection Act. The forest department has also increased patrols in the area to deter further attacks on protected wildlife.
Mangal Singh is expected to remain under observation for a few weeks before being released back into the sanctuary, provided his recovery progresses as anticipated.
A specialized veterinary team was flown in to conduct a critical dental procedure aimed at cleaning the wound, removing damaged tissue, and preventing bacterial infection. The operation, described as delicate and time‑sensitive, lasted several hours under anaesthesia.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the poaching act, emphasizing that illegal hunting of elephants carries severe penalties under the Wildlife Protection Act. The forest department has also increased patrols in the area to deter further attacks on protected wildlife.
Mangal Singh is expected to remain under observation for a few weeks before being released back into the sanctuary, provided his recovery progresses as anticipated.