Kodagu (Karnataka): A 35-year-old wild elephant that had been causing widespread damage to crops and fear among villagers was successfully captured by forest officials in Kodagu district on Sunday.

The operation took place in a coffee plantation at Chambeballur village in Virajpet taluk, where the tusker had been frequently sighted. According to officials, the elephant had been straying into human settlements, destroying agricultural land and alarming local residents.

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The Forest Department launched a carefully coordinated rescue mission with the assistance of six trained Kumki (domesticated) elephants. After nearly five hours of effort, the team managed to safely capture the animal.

The tusker had reportedly been moving through several villages in the region, including Chembebellur, Devanageri, Bellarimadu, Kuklur, Podakote, Aimangala, Maithadi, Kadanur, Bilugunda, Halugunda and Ammati, prompting residents to demand urgent intervention from authorities.

Following its capture, the elephant was transported to the Mattigodu camp for further care and monitoring.

Officials said the operation was carried out following instructions from MLA A. S. Ponnanna, who also serves as the chief minister's legal advisor, after repeated appeals from affected villagers.