Coimbatore: Kapil Dev, a trained kumki elephant from the Kozhikamuthi Elephant Camp in Anamalai, has arrived to assist in the capture of Rolex, the rogue wild elephant that has been terrorising the Boluvampatti and Thondamuthur regions. Previously, two other kumki elephants named Narasimhan and Muthu had been deployed in the area.

According to the Forest Department, Rolex is expected to be captured within two days. The elephant has been a persistent threat, known for destroying crops and attacking local residents—leading to widespread protests from the public demanding immediate action. Following a report submitted by the Coimbatore Forest Division, the Chief Wildlife Warden granted permission to capture the elephant.

The department notes that in recent days, Rolex has not emerged from the forest. A team of 20 forest personnel has been assigned to track and monitor the elephant’s movements. Given Rolex's large size, Kapil Dev—a kumki of similar stature—was specifically chosen for the operation. Officials stated that the plan is to capture Rolex as soon as it reappears.

The story behind the name

The kumki elephant was named Kapil Dev because he was born in 1983—the same year the Indian cricket team won the first World Cup under the legendary cricketer’s captaincy. Now 42 years old, Kapil Dev stands nine-and-a-half feet tall and weighs 4,800 kilograms. To date, he has been involved in the successful capture of 30 wild elephants.