Tribal man killed in wild elephant attack in Idukki

A 47-year-old tribal man was killed in a wild elephant attack at Panthadikkalam near Chinnakkanal, under the Devikulam forest range in Idukki, on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) morning.

​The deceased has been identified as Vijayan, a resident of Panniyar in Santhanpara. According to forest department officials, the incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. while Vijayan was heading home from a work shed.

​Local natives stated that upon spotting the wild tusker, known locally as “Chakkakompan,” Vijayan attempted to flee, but the animal charged and trampled him to death.

Local bodies identified as human-wildlife conflict zones in Kerala under risk assessment