Mysuru: Elephant Arjuna, who hogs the limelight every Dasara season for leading the herd of elephant carrying the howdah, created a furor after he disappeared from the elephant camp. The forest officials heaved a sigh of relief after he was traced, a day after he went absconding.

Arjuna was camped at Balle in Nagarahole forest area, HD Kote. On Friday night, he went missing from the camp. It is learnt that he was on musth. Forest officials, who learnt about the incident a few hours later, launched a search. After a day’s operation, they found him at Kutta near Madikeri, an area sharing its border with Kerala.

Mahout unwell

Masti, Arjuna’s Mahout since 18 years, is unwell and has been hospitalised. In this backdrop, his son Mahesh was assigned the responsibility of Arjuna. As Mahesh is a drunkard, the elephant could easily get away from his sight.

Forest officials said that a clash would have been imminent if tamed Arjuna had come in contact with the wild elephants who roam around in herds.

After Arjuna’s drunken banter, the officials said that they have taken appropriate measures to ensure his safety.