Renowned photographer and human rights activist Ram Rahman has cut ties with Maneka Gandhi ‘s NGO People for Animals, after the BJP MP tried to give a communal spin to the gruesome killing of a pregnant elephant in Kerala.
In a Facebook post, Rahman said, “Dear Maneka Gandhi, I had happily agreed to contribute to a work for the fundraiser for People for Animals in March. But after your interview communalising the elephant death in Palakkad, Kerala, I’m afraid, I can no longer be associated with your initiative as I believe it has been tainted by your personal politics and can no longer be seen as a neutral effort.”
It may be recalled that on Wednesday, June 4, news of the death of a pregnant elephant, allegedly due to eating a firecracker-laden pineapple left by the locals reportedly for wild boars that damaged crops, sparked a national outcry. The pineapple had exploded in the pachyderm’s mouth damaging its jaw. The incident took place in the Silent Valley Forest in Mannarkkad Division of Kerala’s Palakkad district in the Velliyar River where the elephant died.
However, very quickly the whole incident took a communal colour after Maneka Gandhi alleged that the incident occurred in Malappuram, which is a Muslim majority district.She said, “The forest secretary should be removed. The minister should give his resignation. Rahul Gandhi is from that area, why has he not taken action?” It must be noted that Rahul Gandhi is an MP from Wayanad, which is a location separate from where the incident took place.
— Maneka Sanjay Gandhi (@Manekagandhibjp) June 3, 2020
She further alleged that the crime rate in Malappuram was high and the communal conflict was highest there. She said, “Malappuram is the most disturbed district in the country with at least one incident being reported from there every day. Not only do they kill animals (elephants), they throw poison to kill dogs and birds in thousands. There is some incident of violence every day. Women have been beaten up. Hindus and Muslims fight and have cut each other’s arms off. The situation there is scary and it feels like the Kerala government is scared of them. No investigation ever takes place there. The weakest of the administration are sent there,” adding the torture inflicted on elephants and animals in the district.
— Maneka Sanjay Gandhi (@Manekagandhibjp) June 3, 2020
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