Athirappilly: A wild tusker with an injured leg was tranquilised, treated, and released back into the forest at Erumathadam in Kalady Plantation, Athirappilly, on Friday. Forest staff are now monitoring the tusker, suspected to have been injured in a clash with another elephant. 

Residents noticed the tusker walking with difficulty and informed the forest officials. Initially, they monitored the elephant, believing the wound would heal naturally. But as the injury worsened, they decided to intervene.

The veterinary team arrived in the morning but struggled to locate the tusker, which had moved from the site. After a long search, the elephant was found, darted, and treated. The operation was carried out by a team led by Ernakulam Assistant Forest Veterinary Officer, Dr Binoy.

Doctors cleaned the infected wound, applied medicines, and released the animal once it regained consciousness by noon. Meanwhile, there are allegations that treatment was delayed despite prior reports.