Forest dept launches operation to tranquilise ‘Muttikomban’ after fatal Wayanad attack

The Kerala Forest Department has launched an operation to tranquilise and capture a wild elephant that has been repeatedly raiding crops and threatening residents in the Vadakkanad area of Wayanad district, officials said on Sunday.

According to forest authorities, the tusker (locally known as “Muttikomban” ) has frequently strayed into nearby settlements in the Sulthan Bathery region, causing widespread crop damage and creating panic among villagers. Officials said the elephant has been straying into human habitations , forcing the department to step up monitoring and plan its capture.

The move follows a fatal elephant attack earlier this month in which farmer Kadangath Naduveettil Rejeev (37) was trampled to death after he went to chase away the animal that had entered his farmland near Vadakkanad.

The incident triggered protests by local residents , who accused authorities of failing to act despite repeated complaints about the elephant’s presence and demanded immediate action to capture it.

Following the protests, the Forest Department intensified tracking of the tusker and decided to tranquilise and relocate the elephant , stating that the animal had become a serious threat to lives and property in the region.

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 tracking the tusker are continuing the search, and the tranquilisation attempt will resume once the elephant is located again as part of efforts to capture and relocate it safely.