Killer wild elephant captured, translocated to camp

A wild elephant which killed at least four people in the last six months in Anamalai region in the district was translocated to Varagaliyar camp on Thursday after being tranquilised, forest department sources said.

The operation to capture the elephant, known as "Arisi Raja" (rice king - as it used to break into houses and eat rice), was taken after complaints from the residents, they said.

Forest department veterinarian Prakash from Hosur managed to tranquilise the elephant with the help of powerful torches around 11.30 pm on Wednesday near Pollachi in the district during the more than seven-hour long operation, forest department sources said.

The 20-year old elephant was shifted to a lorry with the help of two 'kumki' (trained elephants) on Thursday Morning and taken to Varagaliyar camp where it will be tamed, they added.