Madikeri, Nov. 7 -- A controversy has erupted over the Forest Department's recruitment of 26 kavadis (helper to the mahout) in the Mysuru Circle, following allegations that the selection process favoured candidates with political and official connections over experienced elephant handlers.

The department held direct interviews in Mysuru on September 30 and October 1 and later announced a provisional list of 26 candidates. Several applicants and mahouts (elephant trainer) have questioned the selection, alleging violations of the prescribed eligibility conditions.

One of the basic qualifications for a kavadi is familiarity with elephants and experience in working with them. However, complainants claim that several selected candidates have...