MUNNAR: Arikomban was finally spotted near the Sankarapandian hills at 5:30 pm in the evening. 150 members-included rapid response team rummaged through the forest for 13 hours but failed to even catch a glimpse of the rogue tusker during morning hours. According to forest officials, crackers should be burst to make the tusker run straight to the base station area. The move will help the officials to target tranquilizing shots at ease. Arikomban is currently under the scrutinizing eyes of watchers. The mission will restart today morning at 6 am.

It was just one hour after the rapid-force ended search that the locals found Arikomban standing near the eucalyptus tree in Sankarapandian hills. The first task will be to make the giant come down from the hills. Crackers will be used to work out the plan. Meanwhile, the elephant can easily wiggle out from the spot in the dark of the night even if it happens to be a blink from the eye of the watcher placed.

Tranquilizing expert Dr. Arun Zakariah, veterinary surgeons, and Kumki elephants are on work to tame the rogue one. Meanwhile, it is doubted that Arikomban crossed the national highway to enter the hills. The kumki elephants are currently lodged near the 301 colony.