27 August,2026 04:37 PM IST | Assam | mid-day online correspondent
Veterinary experts conducted a partial pulpotomy, a specialised procedure aimed at treating the affected pulp and closing the exposed cavities. Pic/ Special Arrangement
A 16-year-old captive elephant named Mangal Singh has undergone a specialised dental procedure in Margherita, Assam, months after poachers allegedly hacked off both his tusks near the roots, leaving the animal with severe injuries and exposed pulp cavities.
The procedure was carried out on Wednesday by a joint veterinary team led by Dr Bhaskar Choudhury of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).
The intervention was necessitated by persistent infection in the exposed pulp cavities following the brutal attack.
The incident took place in April in the Dhulijan forest area of Lakhipathar in Digboi. Mangal Singh's cries reportedly alerted locals, who informed the Digboi Forest Department about the attack.
Government veterinary teams subsequently began emergency treatment.
Dr Mehedi Hassan, veterinary surgeon at WTI, said the elephant was in critical condition in the days following the attack and suffered severe bleeding.
As both tusks had been cut close to the roots, the pulp cavities were exposed, resulting in persistent infection despite regular treatment and monitoring.
With the risk of further infection continuing, veterinary experts opted for a partial pulpotomy, a specialised procedure aimed at treating the affected pulp and closing the exposed cavities.
The procedure was conducted in Margherita by a multidisciplinary veterinary team. It included Dr Bhupen Sarma, retired professor in the Department of Surgery and Radiology and an expert in elephant anaesthesia, a team of orthodontic specialists from Tinsukia led by Dr Abhishek Ojha, senior veterinarians from the Animal Husbandry Department Dr Rabi Shankar Choudhury and Dr Bishwajit Barua, and Dr Mehedi Hassan of WTI.
Authorities decided to carry out the treatment in Mangal Singh's familiar surroundings rather than transport him elsewhere.
According to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) team, the captive-born elephant has strong social bonds with his caregivers and surroundings. Moving him to an unfamiliar location could have caused additional stress and complications.
Rohini Kumar Das, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Digboi, said local veterinarians with experience in treating elephants had been attending to Mangal Singh over the past few months.
However, the exposed pulp cavities in both tusks required specialised closure through a partial pulpotomy.
"The procedure was successfully initiated today [on Thursday], and we will be ensuring post-operative care for the next seven days," Das said.
Dr Bhaskar Choudhury, CWRC Centre Manager and lead veterinarian at WTI, described the incident as a disturbing example of the cruelty faced by elephants in wildlife crime cases.
He said the circumstances surrounding the loss of Mangal Singh's tusks were deeply concerning and highlighted the need for stronger protection of elephants, including those under private ownership.
The immediate priority, he added, is to ensure that the elephant receives appropriate treatment and recovers from his injuries.
Jose Louies, CEO of WTI, said the case demonstrates the serious physical and psychological consequences of illegal ivory-related activities.
He stressed the need for continued vigilance, stronger protection measures and swift action against wildlife criminals.
Mangal Singh is owned by an individual in Margherita. Following the attack, forest officials and veterinary teams have continued to monitor his condition.
The Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC), located near Kaziranga National Park, is jointly run by the Assam Forest Department, Wildlife Trust of India and IFAW.
The centre works on wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and veterinary care, particularly for animals requiring specialised intervention.
