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'''Arikomban''' (born {{circa|1986/1987}}) is a wild male [[Indian elephant]] from [[Kerala]], India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-29 |title=Rogue elephant Arikomban darted with tranquillisers in Kerala's Idukki |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/thiruvananthapuram/rogue-elephant-arikomban-darted-with-tranquillisers-in-keralas-idukki-8582548/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=The Indian Express |
'''Arikomban''' (born {{circa|1986/1987}}) is a wild male [[Indian elephant]] from [[Kerala]], India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-29 |title=Rogue elephant Arikomban darted with tranquillisers in Kerala's Idukki |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/thiruvananthapuram/rogue-elephant-arikomban-darted-with-tranquillisers-in-keralas-idukki-8582548/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The elephant is known for his raids on local shops for rice and causing damage in [[Chinnakanal]] area of [[Munnar]] and is rumoured to have killed ten people and injured many.<ref name="N(L">{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Aasheesh |title=The Hunt for Arikomban: how a Kerala rogue elephant that killed 10 people is still on the loose |url=https://www.news9live.com/india/the-hunt-for-arikomban-how-a-kerala-rogue-elephant-that-killed-10-people-is-still-on-the-loose-au2209-2119723 |access-date=21 May 2023 |publisher=news9live.com |date=28 Apr 2023}}</ref> The name Arikomban is a combination of the [[Malayalam]] words ''ari'', meaning rice, and ''komban'', meaning tusker.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-05-01 |title=Arikomban: 'Killer' Indian elephant relocated to tiger reserve |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65446247 |access-date=2023-05-05}}</ref> |
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Arikomban is estimated to be born in the late 1980s. He was initially known as ''Chinnakomban''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arikomban went from orphaned calf to troublemaker - The New Indian Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2023/mar/24/arikomban-went-from-orphaned-calf-to-troublemaker-2558906.amp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410102707/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2023/mar/24/arikomban-went-from-orphaned-calf-to-troublemaker-2558906.amp |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 April 2023 |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=www.newindianexpress.com}}</ref> The elephant started violence in the region in the early 2010s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-01 |title='Arikomban', Kerala's Rice-Eating Rogue Elephant Relocated Amidst Row: The Story So Far |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/mirror-now/in-focus/arikomban-keralas-rice-eating-rogue-elephant-relocated-the-story-so-far-article-99907064 |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=TimesNow |language=en}}</ref> Arikomban's practice involves breaking into ration shops, home kitchens and grocery stores and eating rice.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chasing Arikomban: Why is Kerala looking for a rogue wild elephant since 2018 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/arikomban-kerala-idukki-search-tranquilise-radio-collar-relocate-wild-tusker-rice-eating-elephant-jumbo-2365775-2023-04-28 |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> A native's ration shop in Panniyar Estate was vandalized nine times in a year by Arikomban.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-29 |title=How rogue tusker Arikomban was finally captured |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/rogue-tusker-arikomban-captured-8583086/ |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Since 2005, more than 75 buildings have been destroyed by the elephant.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-29 |title=ഇതാണ് അരിക്കൊമ്പൻ |url=https://newspaper.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/arikomban-mission-moonnar-chinnakkanala-1.8518258 |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=Newspaper |language=en}}</ref> On 29 April 2023, the Kerala wildlife department tranquillised and captured Arikomban from Chinnakanal and released into the [[Periyar National Park]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala's Rogue Elephant Tranqualised, Shifted To Periyar Tiger Reserve |url=https://www.ndtv.com/kerala-news/mission-arikomban-keralas-rogue-elephant-tranqualised-shifted-to-periyar-tiger-reserve-3991734 |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> |
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The name Arikomban is a combination of the [[Malayalam]] words ''[[Rice|ari]]'', meaning rice, and ''komban'', meaning tusker.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2023-05-01 |title=Arikomban: 'Killer' Indian elephant relocated to tiger reserve |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65446247 |access-date=2023-05-05}}</ref> |
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Arikomban is estimated to be born in the late 1980s. He was initially known as ''Chinnakomban''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arikomban went from orphaned calf to troublemaker - The New Indian Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2023/mar/24/arikomban-went-from-orphaned-calf-to-troublemaker-2558906.amp |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=www.newindianexpress.com}}</ref> Kerala's government rehabilitated landless people into "301 colony," an elephant corridor.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-04-03 |title=Forest department plans jumbo corridor in Kerala |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/forest-dept-plans-jumbo-corridor/articleshow/90617199.cms |access-date=2023-06-17 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Despite IFS officer Prakriti Srivastava issuing a warning against allowing human settlements in Chinnakanal, her concerns went unheeded.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-13 |title=Justice for Arikomban amid the fierce battle for land grab |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/specials/justice-for-arikomban-amid-the-fierce-battle-for-land-grab-by-sangita-iyer-1.8475872 |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=English.Mathrubhumi |language=en}}</ref> Due to the frequent presence of wild elephants in the area, many people have chosen to leave. |
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The resort mafia exploited the situation by offering a sum of 15 lakhs<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-08 |title=Is the forest dept teaming up with land mafia to evict tribal families from Idukki? |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/chinnakanal-tribal-eviction-1.6429451 |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=English.In exchange for acquiring the title deeds to the land, Mathrubhumi |language=en}}</ref> to these people. They perceived the presence of elephants as an obstacle to their activities, as Elephants trample over new constructions in their path as they move.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-08 |title=Is the forest dept teaming up with land mafia to evict tribal families from Idukki? |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/chinnakanal-tribal-eviction-1.6429451 |access-date=2023-06-17 |website=English.Mathrubhumi |language=en}}</ref> Elephants have genetic memories passed down through generations, and so in the wild, a herd of elephants walks through the same path which is imbibed in their memory, unintentionally trampling over new constructions or obstructions in their path.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Desk |first=TC Web |date=2023-04-22 |title=Elephant expert claims that memory of the biggest land mammals lasts for five generations |url=https://tatsatchronicle.com/elephant-expert-claims-that-memory-of-the-biggest-land-mammals-lasts-for-five-generations/ |access-date=2023-06-22 |website=Tatsat Chronicle Magazine |language=en}}</ref> Then they started spreading false stories against Elephants, using tribes people and plantation workers as tools.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shaji |first=K. A. |date=2023-03-31 |title=In defence of Arikomban — the ration-shop raider in Kerala's hill station Munnar |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/kerala/in-defence-of-arikomban-the-ration-shop-raider-in-keralas-hill-station-munnar/ |access-date=2023-06-17 |website=The South First |language=en-GB}}</ref> A campaign was unleashed through local and social media, and Arikomban became their first target. Arikomban was portrayed as a killer elephant. The land mafias then filed a case to have him captured.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-05 |title=No end for Arikomban's Trauma |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/columns/sangita-iyer/no-end-for-arikomban-s-trauma-sangita-iyer-column-1.8617104 |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=English.Mathrubhumi |language=en}}</ref> |
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The paradox is that humans encroached upon his home, destroyed the trees, stole his food, displaced his natural habitat with bricks and cement, and later initiated an accusation against him.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala High Court to hear petition to capture Arikomban on March 29 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2023/mar/29/kerala-high-court-to-hear-petition-to-capture-arikomban-on-march-29-2560458.html |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> In addition to the illegal encroachment and the presence of humans that threw the elephants out of their habitat, the government started tourism activities in the Annayirangal reservoir.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-15 |title=Anayirangal Dam in Munnar-Elephant Arrival Spot in Munnar {{!}} Munnar Insider |url=https://www.munnar.holiday/munnartourism/anayirangal-dam/ |access-date=2023-07-26 |language=en-US}}</ref> Annayirangal in Malayalam means the elephant slope. Due to water and food availability, Annayirangal was a hub of wild animals, including Elephants. The sound of the tourist boats scare the animals, and the Elephants do not even have an escape route as the whole area is encroached upon and converted to private properties and secured with fences.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How wild elephants in Munnar forests were thrown out of their habitat |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2018/12/02/wild-elephants-munnar-forests-thrown-out-of-habitat.html |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Arikomban comes into the human settlements in search of food and water because he is hungry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-13 |title=Justice for Arikomban amid the fierce battle for land grab |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/specials/justice-for-arikomban-amid-the-fierce-battle-for-land-grab-by-sangita-iyer-1.8475872 |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=English.Mathrubhumi |language=en}}</ref> |
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On 29 April 2023, following the court order, the Kerala wildlife department tranquilized and captured Arikomban from Chinnakanal and released into the [[Periyar National Park]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala's Rogue Elephant Tranqualised, Shifted To Periyar Tiger Reserve |url=https://www.ndtv.com/kerala-news/mission-arikomban-keralas-rogue-elephant-tranqualised-shifted-to-periyar-tiger-reserve-3991734 |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> However, the judge elucidated that the conversion of natural grasslands into eucalyptus forests, primarily to cater to human needs, has resulted in the deprivation of food and water sources for elephants and other [[wildlife]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-13 |title=Justice for Arikomban amid the fierce battle for land grab |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/specials/justice-for-arikomban-amid-the-fierce-battle-for-land-grab-by-sangita-iyer-1.8475872 |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=English.Mathrubhumi |language=en}}</ref> |
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Arikomban, though sedated with multiple shots, fiercely resisted the 150-member team and the four kumki elephants who tried to capture and translocate him. He was not ready to leave his homeland. For many in his homeland, Arikomban now stands as a symbol of resilience in the face of injustice.<ref>{{Cite web |title=From the wild, back to the wild: Arikomban captured after 12-hour long operation in Kerala |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2023/apr/29/from-the-wild-back-to-the-wild-arikomban-captured-after-12-hour-long-operation-in-kerala-2570609.html |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> |
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Arikomban's plight sheds light on the harsh reality of illegal land encroachments which forcibly displaced him from his natural habitat and ultimately led to Arikomban being translocated from his land<ref>[https://fountainink.in/reportage/caught-in-the-middle 21].</ref> However, Arikomban's ordeal and forced relocation from his soil and herd for no fault of his own has awakened Kerala's consciousness and got Arikomban a huge fan base.<ref>[https://thesouthfirst.com/kerala/from-emotional-outpourings-to-crazy-schemes-how-kerala-social-media-is-rooting-for-arikomban/ 22]</ref> |
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== History == |
== History == |
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In 2017, Kerala Forest Department tried unsuccessfully to capture Arikomban. One of the most experienced "[[Kumki (elephant)|Kumkis]]" (trained elephant) handlers in India, Anamalai Kaleem, led the operation, tracked the elephant, and hit it with tranquilliser shots, but it escaped into the wilderness. |
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=== Early life === |
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| ⚫ | In March 2023 a proposal to capture Arikomban by the Kerala government was initially controversial. Animal rights activists opposed the Kerala Forest Department's decision to capture and tame Kumuki elephants at the [[Kodanad Abhayaranyam animal shelter and elephant training centre|Kodanad Elephant Center]] in [[Ernakulam district]]. They petitioned the [[Kerala High Court]], which prevented the department from going ahead.<ref>{{Cite web |last=PTI |date=2023-04-29 |title=Mission 'Arikomban' successful; to be shifted to an undisclosed location |url=https://theprint.in/india/mission-arikomban-successful-to-be-shifted-to-an-undisclosed-location/1546681/ |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> The court appointed an expert committee to investigate the matter, which recommended moving the elephant to the [[Parambikulam Tiger Reserve]], a wilderness region with no possibility of human–elephant conflict. Protests quickly broke out in the Parambikulam neighbourhood as locals vehemently opposed the decision.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-23 |title=11 teams and fake grocery shops: Kerala forest department prepares to tame rogue elephant Arikomban |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/11-teams-and-fake-grocery-shops-kerala-forest-department-prepares-to-tame-rogue-elephant-arikomban-16243901.htm |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=cnbctv18.com |language=en}}</ref> The Kerala government was then instructed by the High Court to release Arikomban in a location chosen by the government while concealing the location. The court then instructed the forest department to follow the elephant, tranquillize it, and then fasten a radio collar around its neck to monitor its activities.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Forest officials in Kerala on a mission to capture Arikomban, the rice eating elephant |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/forest-officials-in-kerala-on-a-mission-to-capture-arikomban-the-rice-eating-elephant/articleshow/99862467.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-05-05 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> |
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Arikomban's tragic story started in December 1984 when the tribal people heard the loud cries of a baby elephant. Arikomban was found crying next to his mother's lifeless body. He stood there for days trying to wake up his dead mother. He still visits the same spot every year, perhaps mourning the loss of his mother.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-05 |title=No end for Arikomban's Trauma |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/columns/sangita-iyer/no-end-for-arikomban-s-trauma-sangita-iyer-column-1.8617104 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=English.Mathrubhumi |language=en}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | The government sought alternative areas to relocate the elephant.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-12 |title='Arikomban' puts Kerala government in a catch-22 situation |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/arikomban-puts-kerala-government-in-a-catch-22-situation-1208947.html |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Arikomban: 'Killer' Indian elephant relocated to tiger reserve |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65446247 |access-date=6 May 2023 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=1 May 2023}}</ref> Arun Zachariah, a wildlife veterinarian, was in charge of the mission to capture Arikomban, assisted by 150 people from the police, health, and motor vehicles departments as well as the rescue services. In a two-day operation, the elephant was successfully tranquillized and herded into a truck using four [[Kumki (elephant)|kumki elephants]] and sent to the [[Periyar National Park|Periyar Tiger Reserve]] on 29 April 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala: Mission 'Arikomban' successful, rice-eating tusker being shifted to Periyar Tiger Reserve - The Week |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2023/04/30/kerala-mission-arikomban-successful-rice-eating-tusker-being-shifted-to-periyar-tiger-reserve.amp.html |access-date=2023-05-05 |website=www.theweek.in}}</ref> |
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=== First Arikomban mission === |
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In 2017, the Kerala Forest Department tried to capture Arikomban in Chinnakanal. The mission was led by Arun Zachariah along with four veterinarians, 100 forest personnel, and two "[[Kumki (elephant)|Kumkis]]" (trained elephants) in India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-29 |title=Mission Arikomban: Forest dept fails to trace rogue elephant on Day 1 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-forest-department-calls-off-predawn-operation-to-relocate-rogue-elephant-arikomban-after-it-remains-elusive-prohibitory-orders-in-idukki-district-wildlife-conservation-101682709111708.html |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> |
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The forest personnel closely watched Arikomban for several days before initiating the first Arikomban mission in the upper Anaerangal forest region. Two tranquilizer shots were fired on the first day, but Arikomban evaded capture.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-29 |title=Mission Arikomban: Forest dept fails to trace rogue elephant on Day 1 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-forest-department-calls-off-predawn-operation-to-relocate-rogue-elephant-arikomban-after-it-remains-elusive-prohibitory-orders-in-idukki-district-wildlife-conservation-101682709111708.html |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> |
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On the second day of the mission, four tranquilizer shots were fired at Arikomban in a spot adjacent to the Cement Palam, near "[[Chinnakanal]]". However, these shots failed to sedate Arikomban, ultimately leading to the failure of the mission.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8PnC6ahoTU&feature=youtu.be | title='മയക്കുവെടിയേറ്റിട്ടും അന്ന് അരിക്കൊമ്പൻ മെരുങ്ങിയില്ല..' 2017ലെ ദൗത്യത്തിൽ സംഭവിച്ചത്| Arikomban | website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref> |
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=== Second Arikomban mission === |
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| ⚫ | The government |
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The Kerala government spent an astronomical 80 lakhs for the above operation.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Animal welfare groups responsible for issues surrounding tusker Arikomban' |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2023/05/31/animal-welfare-groups-responsible-for-issues-surrounding-tusker-arikomban.html |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> Over the past four years, the government has allocated a staggering 3 crores towards the capture and training of elephants.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2023/03/26/kerala-government-spends-crores-wild-elephants.html | title=Kerala spends Rs 3 crore to capture rogue elephants over four years }}</ref> However, still numerous human lives are lost in human-animal conflicts and added to it is the agony and pain of a highly emotional and magnificent animal being caught in a lifetime of captivity or forced relocation from its natural habitat and family. The High Court observed that relocating the 301 colony residents and opening up the elephant corridors is a better solution.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-29 |title=Mission Arikomban: Permanent solution is to relocate residents, not elephant, observes HC |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/mission-arikomban-permanent-solution-is-to-relocate-residents-not-elephant-observes-hc-1.8433936 |access-date=2023-06-15 |website=English.Mathrubhumi |language=en}}</ref> Definitely, the cost of relocating the 301 colony residents and converting the encroached forest lands into grassland for the Elephants would be much less than what was spent. Just because he is not a human but a voiceless Elephant who has none to support, we invaded his home, tranquilized him with multiple shots, and relocated him forcefully to an unknown forest away from his home and family. His resistance and cries would melt any human's heart. |
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Tribals in Chinnakanal staged protests demanding to bring back Arikomban to Chinnakanal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-07 |title=Tribals stage protest demanding return of Arikomban to Chinnakanal |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/idukki-tribals-stages-protest-demanding-return-of-arikomban-to-chinnakanal-1.8622013 |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=English.Mathrubhumi |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== Third Arikomban mission === |
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After being released into the forest, Arikomban embarked on a determined journey in search of his home and family.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arikomban returns to Kerala's Periyar forest range, traverses 40km in 4 days |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2023/05/05/arikomban-periyar-reserve-status-returns-tamil-nadu.html |access-date=2023-07-26 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> Covering a distance of 30 to 40 kilometers each day, he eventually reached Meghamalai in Tamil Nadu. However, realizing this was not the right direction to reunite with his loved ones, he turned back towards Chinnakanal. Along his path, he unexpectedly found himself entering the town of Cumbum. Arikomban has become a media sensation by then and people could recognize him. A YouTuber flew a drone to capture his movements. Scared of the sound of the drone, Arikomban started running in panic. People, too, started fleeing in panic; one of them got critically injured and later succumbed. With this, the Tamil Nadu government captured and released him to another forest. Within 37 days, Arikomban was given tranquilizer shots again and captured. He was transported to Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, standing in the scorching sun for 24 hours, and was given multiple tranquilizer shots on the way.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-06-05 |title=Elephant Arikompan captured in Theni district; to be shifted to Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/elephant-arikompan-tranquillised-in-theni-district-prohibitory-orders-lifted-in-cumbum/article66932924.ece |access-date=2023-06-20 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Arikomban was made to travel 306 km standing in the scorching sun in a wildlife ambulance and he sustained a deep wound in his trunk and an injured leg as a result of transportation. |
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Even after a month of his release to Mundanthurai tiger reserve, he has not traveled far from his release location, whereas a healthy Elephant walks 10 to 15 kilometers a day. This has made people doubtful of his health. The Tamil Nadu government has not released many pictures or videos of Arikomban. However, they have stated that there are camera traps in the release area, and forest officials are continuously monitoring him. Supriya Sahu Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Twitter feed is full of requests for Arikomban's pictures and videos. There is a lot of secrecy maintained about Arikomban by the Tamil Nadu government. |
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Protests were held in multiple parts of Kerala which demanded releasing Arikomban back to his home, Chinnakanal.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-06-11 |title='Arikomban': Activists take out march |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/arikomban-activists-take-out-march/articleshow/100909130.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-07-02 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Prayers and poojas were held in temples for his health.<ref>{{Cite web |title=അരിക്കൊമ്പന്റെ സൗഖ്യത്തിന് ക്ഷേത്രത്തിൽ 2 ദിവസത്തെ പൂജ; വഴിപാട് നടത്തിയത് പ്രവാസി മലയാളി |url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/district-news/thrissur/2023/06/10/thrissur-pooja-in-the-temple-for-wild-elephant-arikomban.html |access-date=2023-07-02 |website=ManoramaOnline |language=ml}}</ref> There were multiple pleas to high court and supreme court to take care of Arikomban's heath. |
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A farmer in Kerala has erected an 8-foot statue of the tusker outside his shop in Arikomban's homeland.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerala man says Arikomban brought him luck, erects 8-feet sculpture of tusker outside his shop |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kerala-man-says-arikomban-brought-him-luck-erects-8-feet-sculpture-of-tusker-outside-his-shop-2394240-2023-06-17 |access-date=2023-09-07 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> |
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==In popular culture== |
==In popular culture== |
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A [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam feature film]] depicting the life of Arikomban is under development.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |
A [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam feature film]] depicting the life of Arikomban is under development.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coming soon! A biopic on wild tusker Arikomban |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2023/05/06/wild-tusker-arikomban-sajid-yahiya-n-m-badusha.html |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=OnManorama}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[List of individual elephants]] |
* [[List of individual elephants]] |
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Latest revision as of 05:51, 22 March 2024
 | This article needs to be updated. (June 2023) |
 Arikomban found sleeping in a tea estate at Chinnakanal | |
| Species | Elephas maximus (Asian elephant) |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Born | 1986/1987 Kerala, India |
| Nation from | India |
| Known for | Arikomban |
Arikomban (born c. 1986/1987) is a wild male Indian elephant from Kerala, India.[1] The elephant is known for his raids on local shops for rice and causing damage in Chinnakanal area of Munnar and is rumoured to have killed ten people and injured many.[2] The name Arikomban is a combination of the Malayalam words ari, meaning rice, and komban, meaning tusker.[3]
Arikomban is estimated to be born in the late 1980s. He was initially known as Chinnakomban.[4] The elephant started violence in the region in the early 2010s.[5] Arikomban's practice involves breaking into ration shops, home kitchens and grocery stores and eating rice.[6] A native's ration shop in Panniyar Estate was vandalized nine times in a year by Arikomban.[7] Since 2005, more than 75 buildings have been destroyed by the elephant.[8] On 29 April 2023, the Kerala wildlife department tranquillised and captured Arikomban from Chinnakanal and released into the Periyar National Park.[9]
History[edit]
In 2017, Kerala Forest Department tried unsuccessfully to capture Arikomban. One of the most experienced "Kumkis" (trained elephant) handlers in India, Anamalai Kaleem, led the operation, tracked the elephant, and hit it with tranquilliser shots, but it escaped into the wilderness.
In March 2023 a proposal to capture Arikomban by the Kerala government was initially controversial. Animal rights activists opposed the Kerala Forest Department's decision to capture and tame Kumuki elephants at the Kodanad Elephant Center in Ernakulam district. They petitioned the Kerala High Court, which prevented the department from going ahead.[10] The court appointed an expert committee to investigate the matter, which recommended moving the elephant to the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, a wilderness region with no possibility of human–elephant conflict. Protests quickly broke out in the Parambikulam neighbourhood as locals vehemently opposed the decision.[11] The Kerala government was then instructed by the High Court to release Arikomban in a location chosen by the government while concealing the location. The court then instructed the forest department to follow the elephant, tranquillize it, and then fasten a radio collar around its neck to monitor its activities.[12]
The government sought alternative areas to relocate the elephant.[13][14] Arun Zachariah, a wildlife veterinarian, was in charge of the mission to capture Arikomban, assisted by 150 people from the police, health, and motor vehicles departments as well as the rescue services. In a two-day operation, the elephant was successfully tranquillized and herded into a truck using four kumki elephants and sent to the Periyar Tiger Reserve on 29 April 2023.[15]
In popular culture[edit]
A Malayalam feature film depicting the life of Arikomban is under development.[16]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Rogue elephant Arikomban darted with tranquillisers in Kerala's Idukki". The Indian Express. 29 April 2023. Retrieved 29 April 2023.
- ^ Sharma, Aasheesh (28 April 2023). "The Hunt for Arikomban: how a Kerala rogue elephant that killed 10 people is still on the loose". news9live.com. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
- ^ "Arikomban: 'Killer' Indian elephant relocated to tiger reserve". BBC News. 1 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "Arikomban went from orphaned calf to troublemaker - The New Indian Express". www.newindianexpress.com. Archived from the original on 10 April 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "'Arikomban', Kerala's Rice-Eating Rogue Elephant Relocated Amidst Row: The Story So Far". TimesNow. 1 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "Chasing Arikomban: Why is Kerala looking for a rogue wild elephant since 2018". India Today. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "How rogue tusker Arikomban was finally captured". The Indian Express. 29 April 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "ഇതാണ് അരിക്കൊമ്പൻ". Newspaper. 29 April 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "Kerala's Rogue Elephant Tranqualised, Shifted To Periyar Tiger Reserve". NDTV.com. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ PTI (29 April 2023). "Mission 'Arikomban' successful; to be shifted to an undisclosed location". ThePrint. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "11 teams and fake grocery shops: Kerala forest department prepares to tame rogue elephant Arikomban". cnbctv18.com. 23 March 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "Forest officials in Kerala on a mission to capture Arikomban, the rice eating elephant". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "'Arikomban' puts Kerala government in a catch-22 situation". Deccan Herald. 12 April 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "Arikomban: 'Killer' Indian elephant relocated to tiger reserve". BBC News. BBC. 1 May 2023. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
- ^ "Kerala: Mission 'Arikomban' successful, rice-eating tusker being shifted to Periyar Tiger Reserve - The Week". www.theweek.in. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "Coming soon! A biopic on wild tusker Arikomban". OnManorama. Retrieved 7 May 2023.