Maneka seeks removal of vet over black magic tricks on elephant

New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS) Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi has written to Uttarakhand Minister of Animal Husbandry Rekha Arya seeking removal of senior veterinarian Aditi Sharma following reports that an elephant was subjected to black magic and severe torture.

"Since November, this tusker has been severely abused and beaten up, starved, drugged and experimented upon by Dr Aditi Sharma. Aditi has now imprisoned and is torturing the elephant and is involved with some very questionable 'pujari' to do some tricks on the elephant," she wrote in the letter addressed to Rekha Arya, a copy of which IANS has viewed.

The minister also wrote that Sharma has failed to emulate progressive steps towards rescue and rehabilitation taken by other vets posted in national parks in other states.

"Most cruel methods of torture of elephants are being imported into Uttarakhand by Dr Aditi to misuse the public funds available to her for wild life conservation. Such practices have empirically increased conflict and the number of human casualties in states like Kerala and Assam," Gandhi stated.

The WCD Minister also mentioned that Sharma has attempted to tranquilize and relocate the tigers in the Rajaji park without any provocation or conflict from the species.

"Dr Aditi's 5 years on deputation are now over. I request you to please recall her and send some other capable vet who can add value to the conservation of wildlife. Dr Aditi's conduct and skill may be re-evaluated before any critical posting is entrusted to her," she added.