Kottayam (Kerala), July 14 : Authorities in Kerala’s Kottayam District today captured the rogue elephant, Bholu Nath, near a forest area.

The owner and the mahout were charged with ill-treating the elephant and were arrested under Section 285 of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibits indulging in any activity that endangers human life.

"The elephant had run up to 30 kilometers. Finally, it was trapped near a forest," said A. M. Mathew, District Superintendent of Police.

Police officials said the elephant was bought by the owner from the neighbouring Kollam region. Residents started identifying it as rogue after it went on a rampage thrice, injuring many locals.

Elephants are often used for temple processions in the State.

It is estimated that an elephant owner earns over Rs. 50, 000 to Rs. 1, 00, 000 for leasing out an animal for a single season.

There are about 850 captive elephants in Kerala and rampaging elephants have reportedly killed over 20 people this year.

A national census in 2005 shows that there were 25,000 to 28,000 elephants in India, including only 1,500 male tuskers of breeding age. (ANI)