In a significant wildlife operation, the Karnataka forest department, in partnership with the state’s environment, forest, and climate change department, apprehended rogue elephants linked to several human fatalities in Deomali and Sunpura. The initiative commenced on March 30, with the first elephant captured near RKM School in Deomali on April 1, an animal implicated in five deaths, including that of former MLA Kapchen Rajkumar in July 2025. A subsequent capture took place on Sunday near Jecko village in Sunpura, involving another elephant accused of killing two individuals, including police officer Martin Lego earlier this year. Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Millo Tasser, indicated that the team utilized thermal scanning technology and eyewitness accounts to successfully identify and capture the elephants. The operation was executed by a 12-member expert team from the Karnataka Forest Department, led by senior veterinary officer Dr. Ramesha H, using advanced tools such as AI-enabled thermal drones from Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks. The operation received national support from the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Wangki Lowang commended the officials, while local MLA Dr. Mohesh Chai acknowledged the operation’s role in restoring resident safety. The team plans to move to Mayudia for capturing a tiger allegedly responsible for the death of police officer Chikseng Manpang in February.
Rogue Elephants Behind Fatalities Captured in Lohit, Tirap
