India, June 29 -- The Gujarat forest department started an inquiry on Saturday after a video of a man repeatedly beating a female elephant in Ahmedabad was widely shared on social media platforms, including X.

The 43-second footage of the person, reportedly a mahout (handler), striking the elephant around 19 times with a stick has sparked widespread outrage among citizens, including animal welfare advocates.

The forest department has begun an inquiry into the alleged animal abuse case, an official said.

This incident comes two days after a single male elephant, Babulal-startled by loud DJ music and shrill noises-ran amok near Desai ni Pol in Khadia, causing panic during the 148th Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad on Friday.

With 17 el...