Arikomban likely to be shifted to Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, TN says wild tusker is healthy

Cumbum: Wild tusker Arikomban, tranquilised by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department in the wee hours of Monday morning, is reportedly shifted to Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in Tirunelveli.  

The officials successfully tranquilized the wild tusker around 12:30 am when they observed the animal roaming near Poosanampatti. Subsequently, the elephant was safely transported to Mundanthurai using a specialized vehicle designed for containing wild tuskers. Meantime, Forest Department officials have verified and confirmed that the elephant is in good health.

Known for its love for rice and ration shop raids in Kerala, Arikomban was last month translocated to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It even strayed into Cumbum town in Tamil Nadu on May 27 and allegedly attacked a man in Theni who later died. 

Subsequently, the Tamil Nadu government formed a team of experienced forest officials under the field director of Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR) to nab the wild tusker.