The Kerala High Court has asked the state government to clarify if there was a possibility of rice-eating wild tusker 'Arikomban' returning to its original habitat in the Chinnakanal area of Idukki district.
Arikomban, which got its name from its love for 'ari' (rice), and 'komban' means tusker, has damaged several houses and ration shops in Chinnakanal and Munnar areas at Idukki in the past few years.
The High Court stated that it cannot ignore the fear of the people and if the tusker is not relocated within a week, it will be transferred to Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary.