In a major wildlife operation, the state’s environment, forest and climate change department, in collaboration with the Karnataka forest department, has successfully captured rogue elephants believed to be responsible for multiple human deaths in Deomali and Sunpura.
The operation began on March 30, with the first elephant captured near RKM School in Deomali on April 1. The animal was reportedly involved in the deaths of five individuals, including former MLA Kapchen Rajkumar in July 2025.
In a second operation conducted on Sunday afternoon, another rogue elephant was captured near Jecko village in Sunpura. This elephant was allegedly responsible for two deaths, including that of police officer Martin Lego earlier this year.
Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Tezu, Millo Tasser said the team used thermal scanning and eyewitness inputs to track and identify the elephant before successfully capturing it.
A 12-member expert team from the Karnataka Forest Department, led by senior veterinary officer Dr Ramesha H, carried out the operation. The team is associated with Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park.
Advanced equipment, including AI-enabled thermal drones and specialised tracking tools from these reserves, were deployed during the mission.
Officials stated that the operation is being conducted at a national level with support from the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Institute of India.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Wangki Lowang praised the officials involved and thanked Chief Minister Pema Khandu for facilitating the deployment of the Karnataka team.
Local MLA Dr Mohesh Chai also expressed gratitude and said the operation would help restore a sense of safety among residents.
The team is now set to move to Mayudia to capture a tiger reportedly responsible for the killing of police officer Chikseng Manpang in February.
