Now Tamil Nadu To Tranquilise And Relocate Rogue Elephant Arikomban As It Enters Cumbum In Theni District And Damages Vehicles

The rogue elephant Arikomban continues to keep forest officials in Tamil Nadu and Kerala on their toes.

After its translocation from Chinnakanal near Munnar in the Idukki district to the Periyar Tiger Reserve near Thekkady in Kerala, it crossed the inter-state border and entered Tamil Nadu’s Theni district.

During its long stay in the Megamalai area, it once came close to a state transport corporation bus and tried to open the door of a ration shop in search of rice. It has repeatedly been chased back into the forest.

Last week it returned to Kumily in Kerala but now it is back in Cumbum of Theni district, where it entered the town and damaged around five vehicles. Some persons got injured while fleeing from it.

The district administration had to impose Section 144 of the CrPc to prevent people from gathering. Power was cut as a precautionary measure.

It also reportedly damaged a gate near the Suruli waterfalls.

A plan by forest officials to tranquilise the tusker today (29 May) was aborted after it retreated into a forest but officials plan to do so the next time it comes near human habitations.

After tranquilisation it is likely to be relocated to the Megamalai Tiger Reserve.

According to some wildlife experts, it is trying to find its way back to its original home in Chinnakanal.

Kerala’s Forest Minister AK Saseendran has criticised wildlife lovers saying that his ministry had planned to keep the rogue elephant in captivity at the Kodanad Elephant sanctuary but because of their intervention in court, the ministry was forced to translocate it to the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

He also added that the Tamil Nadu government has full right to decide what must be done with it.