IDUKKI: The second day of work proved successful as Arikomban finally towed down to the forest officials. After some laborious effort, Arikomban entered the lorry brought in for relocating. Four kumki elephants joined the operation to make the giant enter the truck. Amidst the mission, heavy rains and fog clouded Munnar area turning the mission a tad onerous. The officials feared any untoward events but were saved after the kumki elephants did their job to force Arikomban into the lorry.

The high court earlier recommended translocating the elephant to the Parambikulam tiger reserve but Minister A K Sasheendran dismissed any conclusions and said the pachyderm will be released deep inside the greens of the forest. The minister also showered praise on the forest officials for working in such unfavorable conditions. The court decision sparked protests at villages in Parambikulam, which have already been reeling under elephant menace. A team of forest officials led by chief veterinary surgeon Dr. Arun Zachariah darted the rogue elephant, which has remained elusive since Friday.