Yesterday, this paper carried a report about how a reader called Darshan Dhooke had witnessed a mahout forcing an elephant to beg on the roads of Dahisar recently. This, despite the Forest Department issuing prohibitory orders keeping elephants away from city limits.

It is important that these animals, seen sporadically on city roads despite bans, be kept away. They are a danger to people given the crush of traffic in Mumbai. Frightened by the noise and traffic, elephants can go berserk, trampling pedestrians or even causing severe injuries to motorists.