A 57-year-old tribal man was killed in a wild elephant attack at Chinnar, near Marayur, in Idukki on Thursday. The deceased was identified as Vimalan, a resident of Champakkad tribal settlement in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Munnar Wildlife Warden K.V. Harikrishnan said the incident occurred inside the sanctuary around 11 a.m. Eight members of the Champakkad Eco Development Committee (EDC), led by Vimalan, was creating fire line when the wild elephant charged at him. Vimalan, who was injured in the attack, was immediately rushed to Marayur Community Health Centre, but his life could not be saved. The other workers narrowly escaped from the attack.
“The EDC takes up the fire line works in the forest area every year,” said the official. Fire lines are created through controlled burning of dry leaves, shrubs and grass along a narrow strip, mainly along forest boundaries.
“The post-mortem examination will be held at the Idukki Government Medical College Hospital. The Forest department will provide ₹10 lakh as compensation to the family,” said Mr. Harikrishnan.
Published – February 06, 2025 08:24 pm IST