Cumbum (Tamil Nadu): After weeks of uncertainty, Tamil Nadu Forest Department tranquilised wild tusker Arikomban on Monday night. 

The forest officials fired the shot after spotting the elephant near Pooshanampatti at around 12:30 am. As per latest reports, the elephant ambulance was used to shift Arikomban from the area. However, it is still unclear where the elephant would be translocated. 

Tamil Nadu would assess the health condition of the elephant prior to its translocation. If the elephant's health condition is deemed to be optimal, the government will proceed with shifting the elephant to the Valparai region, located on the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. However, if the elephant's health is found to be poor or if there are other underlying conditions, then the elephant will be relocated to the Vellimalai forest region situated in Megamalai.

Earlier, a team of 4 veterinary doctors were assigned to monitor the movement of the elephant and his health. Four teams of 68 forest frontline personnel led by the Field Director, Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR), along with the Deputy Director, Megamalai Division, Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR) and the District Forest Officer, Theni, were assigned to track the movement  of the tusker and take necessary action. 

“Arikomban” translocated by the Kerala Forest Department in the Periyar Tiger Reserve on April 29, entered the Tamil Nadu forest area on April 30 and attacked various human settlements. Following this, the Tamil Nadu government decided to capture the elephant and translocate it to a separate location.