Tribal farmer killed in wild elephant attack in Idukki

A 47-year-old tribal farmer was trampled to death by a wild elephant at Panthadikkalam, near Santhanpara, under the Devikulam forest range in Idukki on Wednesday morning. The deceased was identified as Vijayan, 47, a resident of the Panthadikkalam tribal settlement.

Forest officials said Vijayan was returning to his farmland from a relative’s house. As he stepped onto the road, he encountered a wild tusker locally known as ‘Chakkakompan’. Although he attempted to flee, the elephant charged and trampled him to death. Local people rushed to the spot on hearing the elephant’s trumpeting and found Vijayan’s body.

Officials added that the tusker had entered Vijayan’s farmland on Tuesday night. The rapid response team had issued a warning advising residents to remain indoors. However, believing the animal had retreated to the forest, Vijayan ventured out, leading to the fatal encounter.