Tribesman killed in wild elephant attack

Elephant footprints and dung, besides trampled plantains, could be seen in the area

In this file photo, the wild elephant and her calf that were captured by a team of the Forest Department from the Peppara forests, near Vithura. (For purpose of illustration only)

A 58-year-old tribesman was found dead in the Podiyakkala settlement in Vithura on Friday afternoon in a suspected attack by a wild elephant.

The deceased was identified as Viswanathan Kani. His family was away when the incident occurred. They found him missing upon returning home and started a search. Assistant Wildlife Warden A. Naushad said the attack could have occurred in the morning.

Elephant footprints and dung, besides trampled plantains, could be seen in the area.

Officials’ promise

The family of the deceased refused to allow the body to be shifted unless work on a elephant-proof trench continued.

Nearly 650 m of the trench has been dug. Forest officials promised to ask for funds to complete the work, and only then did the family allow the body to be shifted to Government Medical College Hospital.

Wildlife Warden Y.M. Shajikumar, Mr. Naushad, Vithura panchayat vice president Anil Kumar and police officials visited the spot.

The Forest Department handed over ₹15,000 to the family of the deceased. A compensation of ₹5 lakh will be provided as per government orders. The department’s eco development committee will bear the expense for ambulance.