IDUKKI: The forest guard team hinted that when the entire district is awake and waiting, the rogue tusker is dozing off in the forest. This was hinted by the team that regularly monitors the movements of Arikomban. Arikomban was seen near the Muthamma Colony Friday morning. However, the forest department officials said the elephant may have gone to the 301-colony area. The team said that it is not clear whether the herd of elephants stationed near the colony has Arikomban. They said the elephant may have moved away from the herd after crackers were burst. The team has still not been able to find the exact location of the tusker.
The mission to capture the aggressive Arikomban started early morning at 4 am. The authorities informed that the weather is favorable and that the forest department is fully prepared for the mission. Arikomban was found near the waste pit near the Chinnakanal cement bridge. Along with Arikomban, a group of calves were also there. Despite bursting firecrackers, Arikomban could not be separated. The elephant is standing in a place where it is difficult for a vehicle to reach. Kumki elephants have been brought there.Meantime, Minister A K Saseendran informed that Mission Arikomban will be completed today itself. He clarified that the weather is favorable and it is a secret where the tusker is being translocated.
Under the leadership of chief veterinary surgeon Dr Arun Zacharia, Rapid Response Team (RRT) from Muthanga and more than 150 officials from various departments, including six doctors, are in the area.All efforts are being taken to complete the mission in four hours. As a precautionary measure, prohibitory orders have been imposed in Chinnakanal panchayat and in the first, second and third wards of Santhanpara from 4 am till the mission is completed.