Arikomban very near to residential area, tusker near Churuli, monitored by forest department 

THENI: Hints are that Arikomban which entered the inhabited area of Kambam in Tamil Nadu from the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and created problems, is again near this area today. Although it is presently within the forest, it is only one and a half kilometers away from Churuli region in Kambam. The last signal received mentioned the presence of the elephant here.

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is monitoring whether the elephant is entering the inhabited area. Arikomban seen in Kambam on Saturday remained in front of the forest department. Arikombam, who was stationed in a banana plantation went a short distance crossing Kambam bypass, but returned soon. It again went from here at 3 am. Was seen near Surali Waterfalls Sunday morning. It was also found that it had eaten jackfruit from the tree near the temple in the forest here and the protective fence of the plantation was found destroyed.

Though the officials reached to tranquilise, they abandoned the idea as a suitable place was not found. The elephant later entered Kuthanachiyar forest area. The forest department officials arrived here also. Saw the elephant twice yesterday. The tusker reached 12 km away from Kambam in the morning. After crossing Meghamala, the elephant can return to Periyar in Kerala.

Things were similar in Arikomban's first mission last month. The elephant was in sight right from the day before the operation until evening. The next day, the elephant was found after a long search. Tamil Nadu’s move is to tranquilise the elephant if it returns. Tamil Nadu Forest Minister and a team of more than 150 officials have reached Kambam as part of Arikomban mission. Prohibitory orders are continuing for the second day in Kambam. The intervention of the people scared the elephant, said Minister M Mathiventhan.