Forest Minister to open Arjuna Memorial at Balle on June 23

BENGALURU

Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre will inaugurate a memorial for the late Dasara elephant Arjuna, who became a martyr during a rogue elephant capture operation on June 23 at the Balle camp in DB Kuppe, Nagarahole Forest.

Arjuna, famously known as “Captain” of the Dasara elephant team, lost his life on December 4, 2023, during a wild elephant capture operation near Yasalur in Sakaleshpur taluk of Hassan district. He was laid to rest at Neduthope in Dabbalikatte.

Khandre, who had offered prayers at Arjuna's memorial site earlier, had promised to build memorials at both Dabbalikatte and Balle camp, where Arjuna resided. Both memorials are now ready, and the inaugural event will be held first at Balle on Monday.

Arjuna was captured in 1968 during the famous Khedda operation at Kakanakote. After being trained there, he began participating in MysuruDasara festivities from the 1990s. Arjuna carried the 750 kg Golden Howdah eight times, earning immense admiration from the public.

Local elected representatives are expected to participate in the unveiling ceremony of Arjuna’s memorial.