Arikomban seems happy in Periyar

KUMILY: Wild tusker Arikomban, who terrorized Chinnakanal and Shanthanpara panchayats, has started to adapt to his new home Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Arikomban was released in the Mullakudi area, 21 km away from the residential area in Kumily, yesterday at 4.30 am. The messages began to be received from the radio collar around that time. The messages about Arikomban’s movements are being received in the control room in the Periyar division and on the mobile phone of top officials. The tusker will be monitored 24 hours a day.

Two teams of the Forest department with four members are also monitoring Arikomban. It was found in the helicam that Arikomban was having food in the morning from the forest.

Arikomban was injured during the mission but he was released after providing treatment.

The convoy that left with Arikomban from Chinakanal at 6 pm on Saturday travelled 99km and reached Kumily at 10.30 pm. Arikomban was taken to Mullakudi at 1 am and medicine was given to heal the injury. He was given an antidote behind the ear and was released after complete sedation at around 4.30 am.

The elephant, which got out of the lorry by itself, moved to the deep forest following a shot in the air. They followed Arikomban for 1.5 km to ensure there were no issues.

A pooja was conducted in Kumily as per the rituals of the tribal community to welcome Arikomban. Minister Saseendran said that it is not wrong and let the rituals of each place be followed.