Efforts to capture 'Belur Magna' fail again on fourth day

WAYANAD: Task force attempting to capture the killer elephant 'Belur Magna' (Mozha) through drugging faced another setback on the fourth day. The elephant continues to evade capture, moving swiftly between locations seemingly aware of the mission's pursuit. Despite sporadic radio collar signals indicating its whereabouts, opportunities for tranquilizer darting have not materialized.

Yesterday at 6:30 pm, the day's mission concluded without success, with plans to resume efforts today. In response, various farmers' organizations in Wayanad staged a hartal yesterday expressing frustration over the continued evasion of the elephant.

The mission team prompted by a signal received at 5:30 yesterday morning promptly arrived at the forest by 5:45. The elephant was spotted near the iron bridge on the Mananthavadi Kattikulam Tirunelli road traversing from the Mannundi Colony area towards the forest. Thick foliage has hindered tranquilizer attempts rendering the dense forest terrain challenging for operations.

Despite exhaustive surveillance efforts, employing methods such as tree and drone observation, capturing the elusive elephant remains elusive. Patrolling efforts persisted throughout the night with a joint police and forest guard presence in the area.

Following the fatal attack on a farmer last Saturday, the elephant sought refuge in Mannundi forest near Kattikulam Chelur, unsettling approximately 500 households in the vicinity. Sleepless nights have become routine for residents in the affected area, with Tirunelli panchayat schools forced to suspend classes. Determined locals demand swift action refusing to relent until the killer elephant is captured.