Kanjan, known for his role in wild elephant captures, comes under scrutiny after Dubare tragedy

Madikeri: The 26-year-old Kanjan, accused of causing the death of a woman and a camp elephant, Marthanda, has come under widespread criticism on social media.

Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre has reportedly even ordered that the elephant should not be engaged for Mysuru Dasara celebrations. Mahouts at the Dubare Elephant Camp, however, vouched for Kanjan as a calm and gentle elephant.

They asserted that the elephant becomes aggressive only for a few moments and then suddenly calms down. "The reasons behind such sudden behaviour have now become a challenge," the mahouts added.

Kanjan was among 22 wild elephants captured in Hassan district in 2014. With its long tusks and powerful appearance, Kanjan played an important role in the capture of wild elephants.

Using its tusks, Kanjan is capable of overpowering even the strongest wild elephants within moments.

For this reason, he had cemented his presence in wild elephant capture teams.

For the past 12 years, Kanjan had earned a reputation as a gentle elephant at the Dubare camp. Kanjan had also begun participating in Mysuru Dasara festivities from 2023 onwards.

But in 2024, the elephant fought with another elephant named Dhananjaya and even strayed onto the road in front of the Mysore Palace, triggering panic among onlookers.

After returning to the Dubare camp in Kushalnagar, Kanjan again attacked Dhananjaya.