India, Nov. 15 -- A court in Kolhapur has permitted the capture of the wild elephant Omkar in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, and allowed his temporary relocation to the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (Vantara) in Gujarat.

The court has emphasised that the operation must be carried out with utmost care, ensuring the elephant is neither harmed nor subjected to trauma. The capture order issued on November 12 was in accordance with the order dated April 8, issued by the chief wildlife warden.

The court, in its order, directed that Vantara will take charge of Omkar's welfare and training, maintaining minimal human intervention until the high-powered committee (HPC) submits its report. Forest officials will be allowed regular ...