By Anjaly Rajendran
In a surprising turn of events the Tusker of the Year and the talk of all wildlife activists “Arikomban” who was relocated from Chinnakanal on 29th April 2023 to the Forests of the Periyar Tiger Reserve near Kumily wandered close to Rosapookandam, Kumily at around 11.30 p.m. last night, i.e. 25th of May 2023.
Earlier Arikomban was said to be roaming around the forests about 6 kilometres away from Kumily near the Thekkady Lake. Prior to all this, Arikomban had visited the Tamil Nadu side of the Forests and was found in the Megamalai region of Tamil Nadu.
Last night, Arikomban was spotted at the outskirts of Rosapookandam, around half a kilometre from the heart of Kumily Town and did not leave in spite of all the efforts of the Forest personnel who even burst firecrackers to try and send him away. Forest personnel also cleared the small crowd which gathered to have a glimpse of Arikomban.
Since the area was pitch dark locals could not manage to get a clear picture of his presence and could only capture his behind from a distance. This led to doubts whether the sighting was truly Arikomban and rumours were circulated that no radio collar was found around the neck of the elephant. However, local Forest officials informally confirmed the sighting.
Finally, Arikomban left of his own accord at around 1.30 p.m. with a final bellow before returning into the forests. Forest officials continue to remain on high alert around the Town to ensure that he does not return to human habitation once again.
In continuation of Arikomban’s sighting 2 teams of Forest Department Personnel have entered the jungle this morning at around 10.00 o’clock to slowly guide Arikomban away from the town.
