RAJAKKAD: Arikomban, a rogue tusker that has been constantly causing destruction in the populated areas of Chinnakanal and Santhanmpara panchayats, spread fear on Saturday by coming close to the kumki elephants.

The incident took place on Saturday evening, The rogue tusker, which reached the area near the Cement Bridge where the kumki elephants are camped, came dangerously close to the kumki elephants. Fortunately, no untoward incidents happened as the forest rangers and the mahouts of the kumki elephants immediately reached the spot, and chased away Arikomban into the forest. The kumki elephants were brought from Kodanad to capture Arikomban.

The area near the cement bridge was chosen by the forest department to tranquillize the rogue tusker. Arikomban has been wandering near the mission area for the past few days. It suddenly approached the kumki elephants while wandering along with a female elephant and two calves in the forest.

Expert committee will be in Munnar tomorrow

A five-member expert committee appointed by the High Court to solve the nuisance of Arikomban will visit the district tomorrow. The expert committee will visit areas, including Chinnakanal and 301 Colony and collect information. Residents of Singukandam and 301 Colony had started a round-the-clock strike since Friday, demanding that their side be heard before submitting the final report to the High Court. Source said that the committee is making the visit in this background.