Idukki: Wild tusker Arikomban, who terrorised Chinnakanal and Shanthanpara regions of Idukki for over a decade, now has a new home: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Almost ten hours after it was tranquilised and pushed onto a lorry, Arikomban was released in the Medakanam section of Periyar that is closer to the Tamil Nadu border. The Periyar sanctuary is over 100 km from Arikomban's territory.
The Forest Department released the elephant at around 4 am on Sunday after verifying that its bruises were not serious. "The tusker is in perfect health," a forest official said.
On the way, when the contingent of Forest Department arrived at Kumily, residents performed special puja for Arikomban. According to reports, the ritual was performed at the behest of the Forest Department on entering the gates leading to Mangala Devi Temple at Thekkady.
It had taken five shots to tranquilise the wild tusker who has been fitted with a GPS collar. Even as it was on restraints, the animal tried his best to free himself, but in vain.
Despite a curfew in place at Kumily till 7 am Sunday, locals had gathered to get a glimpse the tusker who had foiled an attempt to capture him in 2017.
Kerala's Minister for Forests & Wildlife, AK Saseendran said officials will monitor the tusker until he is familiar with the new surroundings.
Medakanam is the largest range in Periyar East Division . It comprises major streams and has grasslands, deciduous forest and evergreen forest, besides few bamboo brakes, according to a Kerala Forest Research Institute report.
