Rogue elephant Belur Makhna back again in human settlement; Wayanad in panic mode

MANANTHAVADY: Just one week after brutally trampling a farmer to death, rogue elephant Belur Makhna has made his way back to human territory. The elephant crossed the Kattikkulam-Thirunelli road by Friday night and reached the Iron Bridge colony. A task force comprising drug expert Dr Arun Sakaria entered the forest in a bid to tranquillize the giant. It was on Friday that Dr Arun joined the mission.

Meanwhile, Forest Minister A K Saseendran promised to visit Wayanad in the coming days along with an entourage of other ministers from revenue and other departments. The minister also promised financial assistance to Paul, who was trampled to death by another rogue elephant on Friday. The minister reiterated that no lapse happened while shifting Paul to the hospital for treatment.

Earlier, it was alleged that treatment was delayed for Paul. Meanwhile, MLA T Siddique criticized Forest Minister AK Saseendran in harsh words saying that the minister is least aware of the happenings in Wayanad. Siddique also beseeched Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to visit Wayanad. The MLA said that the Forest Minister should be sacked or removed from the charge of Wayanad.