Tusk injury or age? What kept Abhimanyu out of Dasara squad
The famed tusker Abhimanyu has been excluded from the Mysuru Dasara 2026 jumbo squad, with officials citing his age of 60 as the primary reason. While some speculate a tusk injury caused the exclusion, the Forest Department maintains that age-related rules are the deciding factor.
Why it matters
Abhimanyu is a cultural icon in the region, and his retirement has sparked public debate regarding the treatment and ceremonial legacy of veteran elephants.
Did the minor damage to its tusk lead to the exclusion of famed tusker Abhimanyu from the Mysuru Dasara 2026 jumbo squad?
Questions are being raised over the decision following the retirement of the celebrated elephant, which had been a key member of the Dasara jumbo squad for over two decades.
Forest Department officials, however, have denied that the tusk injury was the reason for his exclusion. They have maintained that Abhimanyu’s age - he turned 60 in April this year - was the primary reason, as forest rules prohibit the use of elephants above the prescribed age for certain activities.
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