A herd of around 20 elephants has been causing damage to crops in Shahdol district, alarming local villagers who have sought assistance from police and forest officials. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department is preparing to select a new lead elephant for the Dasara celebrations by late 2024, as they train candidates like Mahendra and Dhananjaya. In a tragic incident, Subbulakshmi, a 54-year-old elephant at the Sri Shanmuganathar Temple in Tamil Nadu, died from serious burn injuries sustained in a fire that broke out on September 12. The elephant was unable to escape due to being chained, and despite efforts from veterinarians, it succumbed to its injuries on September 13. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with allegations of negligence against the temple administration and local authorities. Community members mourned Subbulakshmi's loss, reflecting on her presence in temple events since her donation in 1971.