KOCHI: As per reports, wild tusker Arikomban, which was translocated from Chinnakanal to Periyar Tiger Reserve, has a vision impairment in its right eye. This is mentioned in the CCF report of the Forest Department. This was discovered when the health condition of the elephant was checked after it was tranquilized and captured. But the elephant has no other health problems.

A detailed examination of the wounds on the body of thirty-five-year-old Arikomban was done and treatment was given. At the time of capture, Arikompan had injuries on his trunk and body. According to the report of the forest department, this is a two-day-old injury.

Last Saturday, a team led by Dr Arun Zacharia tranquilized the rogue tusker Arikomban. Later, the elephant was released at the Periyar Tiger Sanctuary on Sunday morning. In the meantime, there were also reports that Arikomban was returning to Chinnakanal. But Dr PS Easa, a member of the expert committee appointed by the High Court, told Kerala Kaumudi Online that the possibility of Arikomban reaching Chinnakanal is very low.