Coimbatore: A tragic incident unfolded near Gudalur in the Nilgiris when a 45-year-old man was trampled to death by a wild elephant, prompting villagers to attack forest officials and vandalize a forest department vehicle.
Details of the Incident
The deceased, identified as Ravi, a resident of O'Valley town panchayat near Gudalur, was killed on Saturday night. The village was celebrating a temple festival when the water supply was interrupted. Ravi went to inspect the pipelines near the forest edge, where a wild elephant intercepted and attacked him, causing fatal injuries. He died on the spot.
Villagers' Reaction
As news of the death spread, a large crowd gathered. When forest and police officials arrived to retrieve the body for post-mortem, villagers accused the department of failing to address the rising human-animal conflict. A section of the crowd reportedly pelted stones and attacked the officials, shattering the windshields of a forest department vehicle.
Injuries and Hospitalization
Seven forest personnel sustained injuries in the attack. Two are undergoing treatment at the Gudalur Government Headquarters Hospital, while five have been shifted to the Ooty Government Medical College Hospital for further care.
Underlying Causes
A local farmer explained that severe drought conditions in the upper reaches are forcing elephants and other wildlife to move into human habitations in search of fodder and water. Crop raids and residential incursions have become a daily occurrence in O'Valley.
Legal Action
The Gudalur police have registered a case regarding the villager's death. Simultaneously, a separate FIR has been filed against those involved in the assault on government servants and the destruction of public property.
