Belur Makhna back in K’taka as Kerala tries to capture it (Bengaluru) Niranjan Kaggere, Times of India February 24, 2024 Belur Makhna, the elephant which had trampled Wayanad resident Ajeesh (42) to death, managed to get back into Karnataka on Friday. Kerala had even roped in sharpshooter Nawab Shafath Ali Khan to assist its team of foresters and veterinarians in capturing Belur Makhna. Khan visited Chedalath forest range office on Thursday and had detailed discussions with the forest officials. The elephant, however, returned to Karnataka on Friday, according to forest officials. Unable to track the GPS locations due to technical challenges a few days ago, the Kerala government had called off the mission for a day but resumed it Monday. Sources in Wayanad told TOI that a rapid response team along with veterinarians, tracking staff, and darting experts was deployed to capture the elephant. Despite the efforts, the team could not locate the jumbo due to poor signals from its radio collar transmitter. Karnataka forest minister Eshwar Khandre, who interacted with local forest officials, told TOI that the elephant is back in the state’s territory. “The elephant has managed to cross Kabini river and enter Karnataka forests. The animal is currently roaming along Kabini at the intersection of Bandipur and Nagarahole tiger reserves. The GPS location of the elephant’s radio collar also revealed that the elephant is well inside Karnataka’s territory,” Khandre explained. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/belur-makhna-back-in-ktaka-as-kerala-tries-to-capture-it/articleshow/107956927.cms