Bhubaneswar, April 5 -- A viral photoshoot of an elephant painted pink by foreign art photographer Julia Buruleva in Jaipur continues to trigger controversy, with animal lovers and activists alleging cruelty and demanding accountability from those involved.

The photos and videos, shared by Buruleva on February 18, quickly gained traction on social media and drew sharp criticism online. Actress and animal rights advocate Rupali Ganguly, associated with PETA, also wrote to the Prime Minister calling for a ban on elephant rides, intensifying the debate. Critics have blamed the elephant's owner, the photographer, and the forest department for alleged negligence.

The elephant, a female named Chanchal, died in February, further fueling outrag...