In a coordinated effort, the environment, forest and climate change department, along with the Karnataka forest department, successfully captured rogue elephants linked to multiple human fatalities in Deomali and Sunpura. The operation, which commenced on March 30, led to the capture of the first elephant on April 1, associated with the deaths of five persons, including former MLA Kapchen Rajkumar. A subsequent capture near Jecko village involved another elephant blamed for the death of police officer Martin Lego. The capture utilized advanced technologies, including AI-enabled thermal drones and expert input, with a team from the Karnataka Forest Department overseeing the mission. Minister Wangki Lowang and local MLA Dr Mohesh Chai praised the efforts aimed at ensuring community safety, while plans are underway to capture a tiger responsible for another officer’s death.
