JORABAT, Sept 17 - After a gruelling 11-hour battle with death, Sabitri, a domesticated elephant that was hit by a truck late last night, died this morning, leaving her owner crestfallen. One of the three mahouts who were with her, also died in the mishap.
Owned by Arup Konwar of Jagiroad, Sabitri was being taken home by mahouts Mohan Basumatary, Kamal Boro and Kartik Tati from Sonapur last night on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi today, when she was hit by a speeding truck (NL07 A 3191) around 11 pm at Khetri Overbridge on NH-37, under Khetri Police Station.
The truck dragged the elephant up to a distance of over 30 metres, after which the driver abandoned the vehicle on the overbridge and ran away. While mahout Kartik died on the spot, Mohan and Kamal were rushed to the GMCH in a serious condition.
The seriously-injured Sabitri�s heart-rending cries drew the locals out of their homes. Police and forest personnel, besides a veterinary medical team and personnel from the Assam State Zoo too reached the spot soon after. The veterinary team, zoo authorities and the local people of Khetri tried their best to save the pachyderm, but had to finally give in. Sabitri succumbed to her injuries around 9 am today.
Meanwhile, a pall of gloom descended on Konwar�s residence at Jagiroad where his family was making arrangements to �worship Sabitri� on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi today.
