Hampi devotees protest shifting of temple elephant

Devotees and residents in Hampi protested against the proposed relocation of Lakshmi, the 42-year-old elephant of the Virupaksha Temple, to Kolar for treatment. Protesters fear the elephant may not return. Officials assured that Lakshmi would be brought back after recovery. Meanwhile, repeated leopard sightings near residential areas in Hampi have added to public concern.