A 65-year-old man lost his life in Athirappilly, Kerala, after being attacked by an elephant near his home in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Attack
Pullerkatt Mohanan was trying to drive an elephant away from his property in Vaysery when the animal suddenly charged at him around 2:40 a.m. Neighbours had alerted authorities after the elephant was seen damaging crops the night before.
Mohanan, along with his brother Rathessh and another relative, attempted to ward off the elephant, but he was critically injured during the clash.
Medical Response
Mohanan was first taken to Chalakudy Taluk Hospital and then moved to a private facility. Despite doctors’ efforts, he could not be saved. The elephant retreated into the jungle after the attack. Patrol teams have been deployed to prevent the animal from returning to residential areas.
Human-Elephant Conflicts
This incident marks the sixth fatal elephant attack in Athirappilly this year. Just days earlier, a 62-year-old man was killed in a similar encounter. Residents say elephants frequently damage crops and property when they enter villages, creating fear among local communities.
Experts note that shrinking forest areas and farms near reserve boundaries are major reasons elephants stray into residential zones.
Government Response and Local Protests
Authorities have promised immediate financial assistance to Mohanan’s family. However, villagers claim the government has repeatedly failed to deliver protection measures or support.
In response, locals organised a protest on Saturday and announced plans to block the Chalakudy-Anamalai interstate highway, highlighting concerns over government negligence and the increasing human-wildlife conflicts in the region.
