Idukki: Arikomban, which had gained notoriety for raiding rice stocks in the district and had moved into Tamil Nadu region after being released into Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), has re-entered Kerala. According to signal received from the radio collared-tusker, Arikomban is now in Vannathipara area.

Officials say Arikomban woke up from his slumber and is now healthy and some 10 km from the place where he was released. This has generated suspicion that it could be travelling back to Kerala.

It was shifted on Sunday to PTR where water and grass is there in abundance. The animal did not take grass and water kept for it at various places. It is also said to have overturned two barrels of medicated water. Officials said that the tusker retreated when it was approached by a small herd of elephants.