Thrissur: The Forest Department has launched an operation to drive away a rogue wild elephant that strayed into human settlements in Kuthiran here. Officials said the mission is in its initial phase and described it as highly challenging, as the tusker is currently in musth.

The elephant has been moving close to the Mannuthy–Vadakkanchery National Highway, posing a threat to travellers and nearby residents. Two trained elephants, Vikram and Bharath, have been deployed to track and guide the wild elephant away from inhabited areas.

Drone surveillance has also been deployed, but officials said the tusker’s exact location is yet to be confirmed. The next stage of the mission will proceed only after identifying the animal’s daytime resting spot, given the risks associated with its musth condition.