Mystery around the missing elephant, Laxmi, was finally solved in the early hours of September 18, as the Delhi Police detained the elephant along with its mahout, Saddam, from Yamuna Pusta area in the national capital. The 47-year-old elephant Laxmi that went missing two months ago was last kept hidden in I P Extension, Patparganj, for around 10-15 days which is less than a kilometre from the office of the DCP (East). Laxmi is now safe and was given a bath and breakfast in the morning; the pachyderm will be sent to a rehabilitation centre in Haryana. Here is everything you need to know about Laxmi: 

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What happened?

In January 2016, a committee formed by the Chief Wildlife Warden found poor housing and health conditions, and lack of suitable space and water facilities for six domesticated elephants in Delhi which later on led to a notice sent to the owners demanding the surrender of these elephants in 7 days or the animals would be seized. Finally in October 2018, a year after the notice, three elephants were sent to Gujarat while the warden demanded the surrender of 3 elephants by March 2019.

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How Laxmi went missing?

On July 1, Laxmi was scheduled to be sent to an elephant rehabilitation centre in Ban Santor. However, when the forest officials reached on July 6 to take the elephant away, the mahout’s family got into a scuffle with them and Ali ran away with Laxmi. The elephant and its mahout were in hiding until a few media reports surfaced claiming that they had seen Laxmi in the city. The police operatives then increased the patrolling in the Yamuna Pusta area where they suspected that the elephant was kept hidden. 

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What Next?

Currently, a non-bailable permanent arrest warrant has been issued against Yusuf Ali, owner of Laxmi, under IPC sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions). 

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