Maha locals drive Omkar back

Mapusa: The Goa forest department has attempted to release Omkar, the elephant, into Maharashtra seven times, only to have him chased back into Goan territory by hostile locals and officials across the border.On April 17, the tusker was guided into Maharashtra, but the expulsion was short-lived. Residents on the Maharashtra side reportedly used fire and aggressive noise to divert the animal back into Goa. With forest minister Vishwajit Rane yet to implement a concrete relocation plan, villagers are threatening “strict action” if the elephant is not captured and moved to a sanctuary immediately.Omkar was spotted at Ugvem at a cricket ground. The presence of a wild tusker in a public space where local boys regularly play has sent put the community on alert.