Wayanad (Kerala), March 22 The Forest Department has launched an operation to tranquilize and capture a wild elephant that has repeatedly raided crops and posed a threat to human lives in Vadakkanad, officials said on Sunday.
According to forest officials, efforts are being made to capture the elephant, locally known as "Muttikomban", which has frequently strayed into human settlements and caused extensive crop damage.
Officials said the same elephant was previously involved in the death of a farmer, leading to protests by residents against the department.
Following the incident, the forest department intensified monitoring of the animal and decided to tranquilize and relocate it as it continued to pose a serious threat to lives and property.
On Sunday, officials attempted to dart the elephant near Kaloorkunnu, but the animal retreated into the forest before the operation could be completed.
Forest authorities said trained wildlife watchers are currently tracking the elephant, and efforts to tranquilize it will resume soon.
