Three injured in 2 separate wild elephant attacks at Attappadi

Palakkad: Three persons were injured in two separate wild elephant attacks in Attappadi early on Thursday, once again highlighting the growing human-wildlife conflict in the tribal region.

A 30-year-old tribal youth, identified as Vellingiri from Mulli, sustained serious facial injuries in an attack around 4am. Residents rushed him to the Tribal Specialty Hospital at Attappadi. Authorities said his condition is serious.

“I stepped out of my house in the morning for biological needs when the elephant suddenly attacked me from behind,” Vellingiri said.

An autorickshaw carrying passengers was attacked in a separate incident at Goolikkadavu around 5.30am.

The animal reportedly emerged from a roadside thicket and overturned the vehicle before charging at its passengers.

Driver Prasad, who was injured in the attack, said he was taking a passenger, Bincy, to a bus stop when the elephant appeared unexpectedly.

“The elephant emerged from the bushes and attacked our vehicle,” Prasad said.

While Bincy escaped unhurt, Prasad and another passenger, Mini Shaji, sustained injuries. All three injured persons were admitted to the Tribal Specialty Hospital. The condition of Prasad and Shaji is stable, said hospital sources.

Forest officials visited the affected areas and intensified monitoring. The incidents have once again raised concerns over increasing encounters between humans and wild elephants in Attappadi, a region that has witnessed frequent wildlife intrusions in recent years.