Kozhikode, June 11:
Three people were injured in two separate wild elephant attacks in Kerala’s Attappady region on Thursday, once again drawing attention to the persistent threat of human-wildlife conflict in the tribal belt along the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border.
The first incident occurred at Mulli in Attappady during the early hours of the day. A tribal youth, identified as Vellinkeeri, was attacked by a wild elephant while heading towards a riverbank. According to local residents, the elephant suddenly charged at him, leaving him injured. People nearby rushed to the spot and shifted him to the Kottathara Tribal Specialty Hospital for treatment. Hospital authorities said his condition is stable and he is recovering under medical supervision.
In another incident reported from Goolikkadavu in Chittur, Attappady, a wild elephant attacked an autorickshaw travelling along a road near a forest area. The animal reportedly emerged unexpectedly and charged at the vehicle, causing panic among its occupants.
The attack left two people injured — autorickshaw driver Prasad and passenger Mini Shaji. Both sustained injuries and were admitted to the Kottathara Tribal Specialty Hospital. Medical sources said their injuries were not serious and they are out of danger.
Following the incidents, forest department officials reached the affected areas and launched monitoring operations to track the movement of the elephant believed to be involved in the attacks. Surveillance has been intensified in vulnerable locations, and residents have been advised to exercise caution, particularly during dawn and dusk when wild elephants are known to move closer to human settlements.
Attappady, a predominantly tribal region surrounded by forests, has witnessed frequent incidents of human-elephant conflict in recent years. Encroachment into wildlife habitats, shrinking forest resources and increased interaction between humans and wild animals have contributed to recurring encounters.
The latest attacks have renewed demands from local residents for stronger preventive measures, including enhanced monitoring, early warning systems and improved protection for communities living near forest fringes. Forest officials said steps would be taken to strengthen safety measures and minimise the risk of similar incidents in the future.
