The court specified that the forest officials stationed at Wayanad can dart the elephant with tranquiliser shots the moment the jumbo steps into the residential areas in the district. The legal body also noted that the district collector has no authority whatsoever to issue an order to shoot and kill the elephant.

The officials have been working round-the-clock over the last 10 days with the hope of capturing Belur Makhna. It is in this context that the court has now asked the state to launch a joint operation with Karnataka. The jumbo is crossing the borders constantly proving a headache for those trying to nab it. Darting has become extremely difficult under these circumstances.

Meanwhile, there has been a rising public outrage against the jumbo ever since it turned into a man killer. People are crying for blood-they want Belur Makhna shot down. Wayanad district collector Renu Raj IAS voiced the opinion of the people at the court. The bureaucrat informed the forum that people wished for the elephant to be shot and killed under CrPC section 131. But the court reminded that the collector has no authority to issue any such order.

The Kerala High Court also suggested forest officials in the state to form a joint council including members from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to find a long-lasting solution to the wildlife menace.