Two ‘kumkis’ from Chadivayal elephant camp near Coimbatore have been brought to Nellithurai reserve forest, where the wild jumbo has been wandering around for the past few months.

One more ‘kumki’ from Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) is expected to join the operation in a day or two. The tusker couldn’t walk properly due to severe injuries in one of its forelimbs and behind the abdomen. The forest department has been tracking the animal and administering it with medicines mixed in fruits. Yet, the injured elephant has failed to recover completely despite being treated for last six months.

“The wild tusker had retreated into the deep forests on Sunday. A team has been keeping a round the clock watch to tranquilise the elephant on suitable terrain. The nature of wounds, and if it had suffered any bullet injuries could be ascertained only upon examination after tranquilising the elephant,” said an official.

A spate in elephant deaths over multiple reasons in Coimbatore region this year has raised concerns among wildlife activists.