Mysuru (Karnataka), Jun 11: Dasara elephant 'Ashwatthama', died due to alleged electrocution in the early hours of Tuesday, official sources said.

The thirty-eight-year-old elephant allegedly came in contact with the solar fencing amid rainfall at the Bhimanakatte elephant camp of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (NTR) in Hunsur taluk here, they said.

The elephant was cremated, after a post-mortem was conducted in the presence of senior officials and veterinarians.

Ashwatthama was rescued from Sakleshpur taluk in Hassan district in 2017. He participated in the famous Dasara Jumbo Savari procession held at the Mysore Palace premises in 2021, during the pandemic, and also in 2022.

Condoling Ashwatthama's death, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre said the elephant reportedly fell on the solar electric fence and died, and officials have been directed to inquire into the death and submit a report.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah too has expressed grief over Ashwatthama's death.

"The death of Ashwatthama, the elephant who participated in the Mysuru Dasara and won the appreciation of millions of people, is painful. Due to his calm nature and solemnity, he soon became a part of the world famous Dasara, serving mother (Goddess) Chamundeshwari. Ashwatthama's memory will remain forever in our hearts," he posted on 'X'.

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Bengaluru, Jul 26: Tension prevailed at the Bengaluru City Railway Station when a consignment of meat weighing about three tonnes loaded in about 150 cartons reached here from Jaipur in a train on Friday night, railway sources said.

Puneeth Kerehalli, a cow vigilante, earlier jailed on murder charge, claimed it was dog meat. However, meat dealer Abdul Razzaq, who had ordered the meat, dismissed the charge.

The consignment was ordered legally and it is not dog meat but sheep meat, he said.

"We have legal documents to prove it. One can see the tail of the animal that was slaughtered. It's sheep and not dog," the meat trader said.

He alleged that Kerehalli wanted to make money by levelling false accusation.

Due to the commotion, a large number of people gathered there, and seeing the situation, police have been deployed.

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