Forest dept slaps fine on Tamil Nadu man for prostrating before wild elephant

Dharmapuri: A person, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, came close to a wild elephant. The wild pachyderm was standing on the Hogenakkal Road near Pennagaram in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. The drunk man went close to the elephant and prostrated before the wild animal. He closed his eyes and touched the ground as a mark of reverence to the elephant. 

The elephant retreated a little bit into the woods when the man was trying to get closer to it. Thereafter, the man raised both his arms posing himself with his back showing towards the animal. His unusual gestures made the elephant uncomfortable. The man was not paying heed to warnings from other motorists and travellers.

People were seen taking videos on their cell phones and someone uploaded the incident on social media. Meanwhile, the forest department officials have taken serious notice of the incident. The accused has been identified. A fine of Rs 10,00 has been imposed on him for disturbing the wild animal.