Guwahati, May 15 -- Reported by Laxman Sharma

Digboi: The death of 15-month-old elephant calf Lakhimoni has triggered conflicting claims, with post-mortem and laboratory findings pointing to severe disease and infection, even as the owner and local residents alleged negligence and improper treatment at a free veterinary camp.

The calf died on April 19 in the Kumsong Reserved Forest under the Doomdooma Forest Division in Assam's Tinsukia district, shortly after undergoing treatment at a free veterinary camp conducted on April 18 in the Talap and Kumsong forest ranges. The camp was reportedly organised by Uttar Pradesh-based NGO Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Doomdooma Forest Division.

Speaking to reporters a day after the calf's...