Herd of wild elephants destroys shed in translocated rice-eating tusker’s home turf

Chakkakomban received the moniker due to his fondness for jackfruit (chakka).

No one was in the shed when the herd targeted it.

The official also said there was nothing unprecedented about the incident as such things happen in the area periodically as it is close to the forest, and elephants visit the area in search of food.

Related: The elephantine problem of the Idukki district in Kerala

Arikkomban translocated

‘Arikkomban’, so called due to his fondness for eating rice, was tranquilised on Saturday evening, 29 April, and released deep in the Periyar Tiger Reserve early the next morning.

He was removed from the Chinnakanal area of the Idukki district following an outcry over his raiding ration shops and houses for rice.

Arikomban (File photo/Sourced)

Chakkakomban was sighted near tranquiliser darts-hit Arikomban on Saturday.

Meanwhile, State Forest Minister AK Saseendran said that merely because Arikkomban was caught and translocated does not mean that no elephant anywhere in Kerala would foray into inhabited areas.

For a permanent solution to the problem, expert opinion would be required, for which even the Kerala chief minister has said that discussions can be held with them.

“He (CM) has directed the creation of a panel for that purpose. Those having extreme views will not be included in it,” the minister told reporters.

Suggested: Tusker Arikomban captured and relocated after month-long drama

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