Mission team to arrive on 16th to capture Arikomban

KUMILY: Forest Minister AK Saseendran has informed that a special task force to catch the wild elephant Arikomban, who has created terror in the Chinnakanal and Shanthanpara areas, will arrive in the district on the 16th. He was speaking at a high-level meeting held in Kumali regarding the capture of the dangerous Arikomban. Chief Wildlife Surgeon Dr. Arun Zakaria will lead the team of 26 officers and 4 kumki elephants. The construction of the elephant's nest will start today at Kodanad and will be completed in 4 days. 144 will be declared in the area during the days when attempts are made to capture the elephant. SSLC and Plus Two exam dates will be waived though. People are likely to come from many places to watch the elephant being captured. 144 is to prevent this from happening. The Minister informed that the people should cooperate without crowding and two crore rupees have been allocated for the safety works in Chinnakanal. Arikomban broke into the labor canteen at Panniar Estate around 10 pm on Saturday. Edwin, the canteen operator, heard the noise and ran outside, but the elephant chased him. The workers chased away the elephant with loud noises.