Dussehra Jumbo Arjun dies during rescue operation in Sakleshpur

Mysuru: Famous Jumbo Arjun, who carried the Golden Howrah from 2012 to 2019, died after a fight against a wild elephant during a rescue operation at Yasalur in Sakleshpur taluk of Hassan district on Monday. Arjun, 63, had participated in Mysuru Dasara for 22 years. Saurabh Kumar, assistant forest conservator of the wildlife division, confirmed Arjun’s death. During the rescue operation, a wild elephant attacked Arjun. He said, Arjuna fell and died. Harshkumar Chikkanaragunda, DCF of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, said Arjun was sent for the rescue operation from Bale’s elephant camp in Hassan division on November 23. The giant Arjun walking gracefully during the Mysuru Dussehra procession was a sight to behold for the miles of people who had gathered to celebrate Jumbo on Vijayadashami. Arjun’s average height was 2.95 meters and weight was approximately 5.870 kilograms. Arjun was captured in 1968 in Operation Kheda in the Kekanakote forests of the Western Ghats. It was domesticated and then participated in the Mysuru Dasara procession during many years including the 2023 Dasara. Arjun participated in Dussehra during 22 years and wore the golden howdah from 2012 to 2019. He also carried out the golden howda in 1990, when Drona, the then bearer of the howda, died due to lightning. Also launched Hathi Paper ‘Nishane’ during Dussehra 2023. He raised 750 kg of golden howdah during seven years from 2012 to 2019 after Balram. Arjun was also known for his evil talent. She had accused Annaiah of beating her while she was sleeping in 1996. Although it was classified as an accident, he was imprisoned in the Parque National Ngarhol. However, it was renamed the Elephant Trail in 2001 and continued until 2011. It was removed from the list of elephant enclosures after the government ordered the removal of elephants above 60 years of age and should not be used in any strenuous activity. He was succeeded by Abhimanyu.