Palakkad: The Kerala Forest Department has decided to perform an eye operation on the wild tusker PT-7, who has been in confinement since his capture from the Dhoni region six months ago. 

The surgery would most likely take place in two weeks, with the assistance of experts in the field. The tusker will be tranquilised after being removed from captivity for surgery. A team led by Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Arun Sacaria evaluated the elephant a few days ago. However, the surgery was postponed due to swelling in one of the tusker's legs. 

Further, the doctors have informed in court about the practical difficulties in conducting surgery inside the confinement. 

Meanwhile, the forest department came under fire after a High Court-appointed expert panel discovered that the tusker had blurred vision and that the government had not yet looked into alternatives instead of training PT-7 into a Kumki elephant. 

PT 7, which had terrorised the residents of the Dhoni region in Palakkad, was tranquilised after relentless efforts by a task force with the help of Kumki elephants. The jumbo was later shifted to Dhoni forest station