Kottayam: A wild elephant destroyed the gate of a house in Laha along the Sabarimala route in Pathanamthitta around 11:30 pm on Monday. The incident occurred at the residence of Laha resident Sabu Khan, which came under attack by the jumbo. Upon hearing a loud noise, Khan came out of his house and witnessed the fallen gate along with a wild elephant standing with its trunk raised and trumpeting. Two two-wheelers parked in neighboring houses were also found damaged as a result of the elephant's rampage.
Elephant Retreats After Locals Intervene
The wild elephant eventually retreated after nearby residents managed to scare it away. However, the elephant, which moved along the road, descended into a nearby agricultural field. There, it caused further destruction by uprooting coconut trees and damaging banana plants. The elephant remained in the area for an extended period before finally returning to the forest.
History of Elephant Visits in the Area
Local residents have noted that the Rajampara forest near Laha has long been known to witness visits from wild elephants. The incident highlights the ongoing human-elephant conflict in the region, which often leads to property damage and agricultural losses for residents living near forest boundaries. Authorities have been urged to take preventive measures to mitigate such encounters.
