Itanagar, Mar 31: A 12-member expert team from Karnataka arrived in Deomali, Tirap district on Monday, March 30, to track and relocate a rogue elephant responsible for multiple human casualties in Tirap district over the past two years, including the death of a former MLA who was attacked while on a morning walk.
Led by Dr Ramesha H, a senior veterinary officer and elephant specialist, the team comprises experts in tranquilisation, wildlife monitoring, and trained mahouts from Karnataka’s elephant camps. The operation will involve the use of kumki elephants and thermal drones for effective tracking and safe capture of the animal.
Forest officials said the intensified operation follows a series of tragic incidents linked to the rogue elephant, which has heightened fear among residents in the Deomali area. The killing of the former legislator Kapchen Rajkumar has further underscored the urgency of addressing the human-elephant conflict in the region.
Welcoming the team, Range Forest Officer (RFO), Deomali, Diwang Lowang appealed to residents to remain vigilant and immediately report any sightings of the elephant to the Forest Department, stressing that public cooperation is crucial for the success of the operation.
The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Deomali also appreciated Forest & Environment Minister Wangki Lowang for facilitating the deployment of wildlife experts and support teams to assist in the translocation of the rogue elephant from the Deomali forest area. (With DIPRO inputs)