Shaktiman, the horse, with a prosthetic limb after amputation
Shaktiman the Uttarakhand police horse, who lost its leg after sustaining serious injuries during a BJP protest in Dehradun on March 14, is showing "good sign of recovery" as BJP and Congress continue to indulge in mudslinging over political situation in the state.
Shaktiman was the first casualty of the political crisis in Uttarakhand. He had suffered multiple fractures on his hind leg during clashes between the police and BJP protesters.
The horse's leg had to be amputated due to infection which has set in following the fracture. Since then the 13-year-old has been confined to a specially set up stable to treat him at the police lines in Dehradun.
"He is of no use to us as a police horse as he will not be able to do police duty, but we are all concerned about him and everyone is taking care of him" Says Sadanand Datte, a senior police officer in Dehradun.
"While his wounds are healing, Shaktiman is also eating regularly and drinking 25 litres of water every day - all are good signs of recovery," says Dr Kailash Uniyal, one of the vets treating Shaktiman.
A desert cooler and two pedestal fans have been installed in the make shift stable. Policemen take turns to swat any flies which may have entered the mosquito net and enclosure.
"Life will never be the same for him but we love him and are treat him as a fellow jawan who got injured in the line of duty" says one of the policemen looking after him.
As the horse recovers, police have arrested six people in connection with the clashes during the protest. BJP legislator Ganesh Joshi, who was caught on camera leading protestors was also arrested but got bail later.