Arikomban Released Into TN's Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve After Treatment; Madras HC Had Allowed Release After Ordering Stay Earlier

Tamil Nadu forest department officials have released the rogue elephant Arikomban into the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR), this morning (6 June) after treating its injuries.

The KMTR, located in the Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of the state borders the Shendurney and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala.

The plan to release the elephant was initially stayed by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court due to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a Kerala-based animal rights activist Rebeca Joseph.

Joseph had contended that the animal was ill and needed to be treated for its injuries. She also added that it should be brought back to Kerala.

However, the Court later allowed the elephant to be released into the forest after the department informed the Court that it would take steps to treat the injuries.

It was tranquilised near Poosanampatti in Theni district yesterday (5 June) and transported to the new location.

The decision to tranquilise it was taken after it entered Cumbum town late last month, resulting in the death of one person and damage to multiple vehicles.