Elephant calf dies

Kumbakonam (TN), Feb 6 (PTI) A female elephant calf in the Kasi Mutt at Thirupanandhal near here died today following some sudden illness. Mutt sources said the five-and-half year old elephant was normal till this morning when it suddenly fainted. Veterinarians who checked the elephant, donated by a devotee two years ago on the occasion of 80th birth day celebrations of the mutt head, declared it dead. Forest officials also visited the mutt. Officials said the cause of death would be known only after laboratory tests of samples taken from the elephant. Special pooja was performed and local public paid floral tributes to the elephant, following which it was laid to rest in the 'nandhavanam' with the help of a crane. PTI COR VS KAS TRK