CHINNAKANAL: Tusker 'Arikomban', which was captured after hours of effort, will be transferred to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The forest department had kept it a secret as to where the tusker, which was causing terror in Chinnakanal, Shanthanpara region, will be translocated. The forest department has informed that it will be shifted to the Senioroda forest area within the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Senioroda is 22 km from Kumali. The forest department authorities have concluded that there will be no security problems as it is 21 km away from human settlements. Prohibitory order has been announced in Kumali panchayat. Earlier, Minister AK Saseendran had clarified that Arikomban will be translocated from Idukki to inner forest and will not be released to Parambikulam.
Heavy rain, wind and fog made the task to capture the rogue tusker even more difficult. There was rain when the four kumki elephants tried to push the elephant into the lorry. Arikomban was standing near the animal ambulance. Even after receiving seven tranquilizer shots, the tusker was not willing to give up its fight and was taken to the animal ambulance amid heavy challenges. The minister said that the mission team worked to catch Arikomban in very adverse conditions which was a brave action on the part of the forest department officials. The minister also said that he appreciates the officials and the veterinary doctor.
Arikomban was drugged near the Cement Palam in Chinnakanal. The first dose of drugs was administered under the leadership of Dr Arun Zacharia. Forest department staff, under the leadership of Dr Arun Zacharia, 150 people including veterinary surgeons and mahouts of Kumki elephants participated in Mission Arikomban.