Digboi, Aug. 27 -- A 16-year-old captive elephant, Mangal Singh, underwent a specialised dental procedure in Assam's Margherita on Wednesday, months after suspected poachers hacked off both his tusks near their roots.

The injury left the elephant with exposed pulp cavities, infection and prolonged health complications.

The procedure involved a partial pulpotomy to treat and close the exposed pulp cavities and prevent further complications.

A multidisciplinary team led by Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) veterinarian Bhaskar Choudhury conducted the procedure. Experts in elephant anaesthesia, veterinary surgery, radiology and orthodontics also took part.

Retired professor of Surgery and Radiology and elephant anaesthesia expert Bhupen Sarm...