Wild tusker vandalises ration shop at Anayirankal in Kerala
A wild tusker named 'Chakkakompan' vandalized a ration shop in Idukki, marking the twelfth such attack on the establishment. The shop owner is seeking compensation for damages, while the Forest Department is considering solar fencing to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife conflict and the economic impact on local businesses in forest-adjacent areas.
Following in the footsteps of ‘Arikompan’, a wild elephant known for raiding ration shops in Chinnakkanal, another wild tusker named ‘Chakkakompan’ vandalised a ration shop in Anayirankal under the Devikulam forest range in Idukki on Friday.
According to local residents, the elephant had been spotted in the area since Thursday night before attacking the shop around 5.00 a.m. on Friday. The tusker damaged the building and attempted to feed on the rice and wheat flour stored inside. Noticing the animal’s presence, residents raised alarm and managed to chase it away.
According to the ration shop owner, P.M. Ameer, this was the twelfth time that wild elephants have targeted his shop. “Arikompan attacked the shop more than five times before he was translocated from Chinnakkanal. After his translocation, Chakkakompan took over and has attacked the shop seven times in the past three years,” Mr. Ameer said.
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