Guwahati, Oct. 7 -- A coalition of 53 animal welfare, wildlife and conservation organisations has urged the Tamil Nadu government to examine the acquisition and transfer of five young elephants from Assam to temples and religious institutions in the state.

The organisations have questioned whether the elephants - Durga, Rupsing, Shiva, Hiralal and Bijuli - were gifted, donated, purchased or otherwise transferred, and have sought verification of their ownership records, recorded ages and Ownership Certificates.

In a joint representation submitted to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and other concerned authorities, the groups called for an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding each elephant's transfer from Assam.

The orga...