TN Forest Dept to release Arikomban into forest today; Madras HC grants approval

Chennai: In a new update on the translocation of the rice-eating lone tusker Arikomban, the Madras High Court on Monday granted approval to release the tusker, which was captured by forest officials earlier in the day, into the forest in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. 

The decision was taken by the Madurai bench of the court while considering a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by animal lover Rebecca Joseph, a native of Ernakulam. The petitioner has requested to return the elephant back to Kerala and expressed concern over its safety in Tamil Nadu.

Earlier, the court reportedly directed the Tamil Nadu Forest Department not to release the jumbo until a detailed hearing was held on the case on Tuesday. However, the court changed its directive in view of the Forest Department’s arguments over the health condition of the tusker. 

Nevertheless, there is uncertainty over whether the elephant will be translocated to Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in Tirunelveli. Reportedly, local residents have staged protests in the area against the department’s move to release the jumbo in the region. 

Arikomban, which has been posing a threat to the residents of Cumbum Town, was darted and captured around 12.30 am on Monday. The darting mission took place near Poosanampatti. 

Subsequently, a specialised vehicle designed for containing wild tuskers was arranged to facilitate the translocation. Meantime, Forest Department officials have verified and confirmed that the elephant is in good health. 

Arikomban, which rampaged through the residential areas in Idukki’s Chinnakanal, was translocated to Periyar Tiger Reserve on April 29. Following which, it strayed into Cumbum town on May 27 and allegedly attacked a man in Theni who later died.