Goa, Dec. 4 -- The Supreme Court-appointed expert panel has flagged significant ecological concerns and advised against relocating Omkar, the mischievous yet much-discussed elephant that frequently moves between Goa and Maharashtra. The committee has directed that the tusker remain within the Sahyadri landscape until a comprehensive scientific assessment is completed.

The recommendation comes even as Omkar was once again seen trampling and chewing through banana plantations in Pernem on Wednesday, adding to growing tensions among local residents facing repeated crop loss.

It may be recalled that the Kolhapur bench of the Bombay High Court had earlier allowed Omkar's temporary transfer to the Vantara Elephant Treatment and Rehabilitation...