Mission to capture jumbo that killed Wayanad man turns futile for 5th day; Karnataka officials join

Wayanad: Mission Belur Makhana, the operation to tranquilise and capture the wild jumbo that killed Wayanad man Ajeesh, turned futile for the fifth consecutive day as the animal moved further into the forest stretch here on Thursday. 

In the morning, the elephant was in the Manivayal forest area near Panavally under the North Wayanad forest division. However, by afternoon it moved further to Kuthirakode, near Thirunelly.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka forest officials, who were part of capturing the same jumbo from Belur, have joined the Kerala team for the mission. It may be noted that it took 10 days for the capture of the jumbo from Belur.

The terrain and movement of the elephant pose challenges for the officials. Sometimes, two other elephants are seen accompanying the Belur Makhana, and darting is only possible when they are away.