Compensation for Indian elephant's death sougth in court

A Supreme Court lawyer yesterday filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking its direction upon the government to collect Tk 1 crore as compensation from those who are responsible for the death of Indian wild elephant Bangabahadur.

Eunus Ali Akond also prayed to the HC to order the government to form an inquiry committee led by a former HC judge to probe the incident.

He said the government has violated Article 18A of the constitution, as they have failed to protect the wild elephant's constitutional right.

Article 18A states: The state shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to preserve and safeguard the natural resources, bio-diversity, wetlands, forests and wildlife for the present and future citizens.

Eunus requested the HC to issue a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain as to why their failure to protect the elephant should not be declared unconstitutional.