Thrissur: The Athirappilly Panchayath has urged forest officials to relocate ‘Kabali’, a lone wild tusker that has been repeatedly obstructing traffic and causing panic along the Athirappilly–Malakkappara inter-state road.

According to panchayath president KK Rijeesh, the tusker — currently displaying musth-like aggressive behaviour — should be safely driven back into the forest to ensure public safety.

Kabali has been blocking traffic for hours and charging at vehicles along the Anamala inter-state route, prompting local government authorities to demand immediate intervention to either keep the animal off the road or shift it to another forest zone.

Vazhachal DFO Suresh Babu confirmed that forest personnel have begun steps to drive the elephant deeper into the wild. He also warned that strict action will be taken against travellers who provoke elephants, a growing concern in recent days.

Videos have surfaced showing tourists intentionally provoking elephants, sometimes by honking at close range. Cases have already been registered against some offenders.

The Forest Department has intensified surveillance and patrolling along the Athirappilly tourist belt to identify and prosecute those who continue to agitate wild elephants.