Death of T.N. forest official in elephant attack sparks tension

A big herd of pachyderms is moving towards Kuppam border

A herd of wild elephants wading in a pond at village of Hosur division, close to border with Kuppam, on Monday.

The death of a forest official allegedly in an attack by elephants in the forests of Soolagiri of Hosur division in Tamil Nadu on Sunday sparked tension in several villages on the Tamil Nadu-Kuppam border.

According to information, the Tamil Nadu forest official, identified as Marappa, on beat duty was killed by a big herd of elephants. As the movement of the herd, said to be more than a dozen, was seen in the border villages, the information spread to the surrounding villages on the border area. Till the early hours of Monday, the farmers in Kuppam Assembly constituency along the border with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were a worried lot, abandoning night vigil in their fields and spending sleepless night.

The chances of the elephants crossing into the Kuppam forests are high as it was be a regular development during January and February, with the harvest season luring them.

Divisional Forest Officer (Chittoor) T. Chakrapani took stock of the situation in Palamaner and Kuppam forest ranges after talking to the officials.

Three herds

The DFO told

The Hindu that the movement of wild elephants from Hosur division generally would be towards Karnataka and Tamil Nadu forests, reaching Kuppam region.

“However, the latest episode took place several kilometres away from Kuppam. Our staff are alert to any eventuality. The death of the Tamil Nadu official is unfortunate,” Mr. Chakrapani said.

Meanwhile, reports said that about three different herds of elephants were moving closer to the Kuppam border. The farmers have been advised to stay away from night vigils and move in groups.